SWISSCDC Ultra Select XL CDC Feathers
The Natural Buoyancy for Dry Flies
CDC (Cul de Canard) is one of the most valuable natural materials in modern fly tying. Harvested from the feathers surrounding a duck's preen gland, CDC naturally contains fine oils that work together with its unique fibre structure to provide exceptional buoyancy, subtle movement and an incredibly lifelike appearance on the water.
Unlike traditional rooster hackle, CDC allows flies to sit naturally in the surface film while trapping microscopic air bubbles within its fibres. This creates an exceptionally realistic presentation that perfectly imitates emerging aquatic insects, making CDC an indispensable material for selective trout and grayling.
Today, CDC is used in countless proven fly patterns including the F-Fly, CDC Comparadun, CDC & Elk, Shuttlecock Emerger and Loop Wing Emerger. Its remarkable buoyancy and natural movement have made CDC one of the defining materials of modern dry fly tying.
Rare Extra-Long CDC Feathers for Exceptional Fly Patterns
SWISSCDC Ultra Select XL is the most exclusive CDC feather selection in the SWISSCDC collection. Designed for fly tyers who require exceptionally long feathers, this series features only the largest CDC feathers harvested during the winter season. Since each duck naturally produces only a handful of feathers of this size, Ultra Select XL is among the rarest and most sought-after CDC selections available.
Each pack contains approximately 80–90 extra-long CDC feathers, measuring between 4.5 and 8 cm. Their impressive length allows fly tyers to create large, elegant wings from a single feather, eliminating the need to combine multiple smaller feathers while producing cleaner, more durable and more natural-looking flies.
Like every SWISSCDC product, Ultra Select XL feathers are harvested exclusively during winter, then carefully cleaned, disinfected, hand-selected and processed in Switzerland while preserving their natural oils and delicate fibre structure. The result is outstanding buoyancy, exceptional movement and premium consistency for the most demanding fly tying applications.
Why Choose SWISSCDC Ultra Select XL?
Exceptionally Long CDC Feathers
Premium extra-long feathers selected for patterns where standard CDC simply isn't large enough.
Rare Natural Selection
Only a very small number of feathers from each duck meet the Ultra Select XL standard.
Swiss Hand Selection
Every feather is carefully inspected to ensure outstanding quality and consistency.
Create Larger, Cleaner Wings
Long feathers allow complete wings to be tied from a single feather, improving both appearance and durability.
Professional Performance
Outstanding buoyancy, natural movement and premium quality for advanced fly tying projects.
Ideal For
- Large Dry Flies
- Mayfly Patterns
- Caddis Patterns
- Sea Trout Flies
- Salmon Flies
- Scandinavian Style Flies
- Large CDC Wings
- Extended Wing Patterns
- Modern CDC Fly Patterns
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FLYFISHING.BG RECOMMENDATIONUltra Select XL feathers truly shine when tying patterns that demand large, elegant wings. Instead of stacking several smaller feathers, use a single XL feather to achieve a cleaner silhouette, improved durability and more natural movement on the water. They are especially effective for large mayflies, caddis flies, sea trout patterns and Scandinavian-style salmon flies. |
Technical Specifications
| Material | CDC (Cul de Canard) Feathers |
| Feather Length | Approximately 4.5–8 cm |
| Contents | Approximately 80–90 extra-long feathers |
| Selection | Ultra Select XL – Hand Selected Extra-Long Winter CDC |
| Primary Applications | Large Dry Flies, Sea Trout Flies, Salmon Flies, CDC Wings and Premium CDC Patterns |
| Suitable For | Trout, Grayling, Sea Trout and Salmon Fly Patterns |
| Manufacturer | SWISSCDC |



















