A basic pheasant tail style nymph is a staple in most anglers’ selection of confidence flies. The Hotwire CDC is an adaptation of the classic pheasant tail and gets its name from the copper and silver double wire wrap around the body and the CDC feather that forms the collar of the fly. Paired with a copper tungsten bead and tied on a jig hook, all of these ingredients add up to a fly that we never leave home without.

The Hot Wire can imitate a wide swath of insects, including midges and mayflies in smaller sizes, caddis, scuds, and even stoneflies in larger sizes. Because of its versatility, this fly is an excellent choice when fishing new water or when no obvious hatch is taking place.