CDC Sparkle Dun – Baetis Olive
Successful anglers from around the world know of the virtues of CDC feathers used in fly patterns to fool the most selective trout.
CDC feather wings used in important mayfly patterns like Baetis, Pale Morning Duns and Green Drakes float like corks, and are the exact coloration and profile to match natural insects’ big trout feed on.
We first used CDC feathers for winging our famous Sparkle Duns several years ago. After many years testing the patterns on Yellowstone Country’s spring creeks and smooth flowing rivers like the Missouri, Bighorn, Firehole, Madison, and Lamar with tremendous success we decided to offer them. They will become a valuable addition to anglers fishing big-finicky surface feeding trout whether in Montana, Yellowstone, Idaho, Patagonia, or other similar waters.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Feather Type | CDC Feather |
| Pattern Name | Sparkle Dun |
| Color | Baetis Olive |
| Use Case | Surface feeding trout |
FAQ
What makes CDC feathers suitable for mayfly patterns?
CDC feathers mimic the natural flight profile and coloration of real mayflies, allowing the fly to float like a cork and blend with surface insects, which is effective for fooling selective trout.
Where have these flies been tested?
The Sparkle Dun pattern has been tested on rivers such as the Missouri, Bighorn, Firehole, Madison, and Lamar in Yellowstone Country, where it has shown consistent success in attracting trout.
Is this pattern suitable for cold or warm water conditions?
The CDC Sparkle Dun is designed for surface feeding trout in spring creeks and smooth flowing rivers, making it effective in both cold and warm water environments where surface insects are active.

Joseph Mathis –
Fished this pattern on the Madison River and it caught several trout on a light drag. The Baetis Olive color matched the natural insects perfectly and it floated smoothly on the surface. A reliable choice for spring fishing.
Richard Hunter –
Used it during a trip to Yellowstone and saw good action in the Bighorn River. The CDC wing stayed upright and didn’t sink, which helped with presentation. A bit more expensive but worth it for the performance.
Pippa Ogden –
This fly worked well in slow-moving waters with a lot of surface activity. The olive color blended in well with the natural insects, and the float was natural and consistent.