Bodkin / Patterns

Ref Quill

Dry Fly · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard dry fly, 12-16
  • Thread Dark 8/0

Materials

  • Wing Mallard flank or dun hackle tips (1 upright divided pair)
  • Tail (hackle fibers) Blue dun tail hackle fibers (small bunch)
  • Body Stripped peacock/dyed quill (1 quill)
  • Dry hackle Dun or grizzly rooster hackle (1 feather)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread mid-shank; tie in an upright divided wing of mallard flank or dun hackle tips one shank tall, and split them.
  2. Tail: stiff blue-dun hackle fibers at the bend, one shank long.
  3. Soak and tie in a stripped quill by its fine end at the bend, then wrap it forward in touching turns for a crisp segmented body up to the wing. Counter-wrap fine wire or add a thin coat of UV resin so the quill won't crack.
  4. Tie in a dun (or grizzly) dry hackle behind the wing.
  5. Wrap the hackle a few turns behind and in front of the wing, then tie off.
  6. Whip finish at the eye and cement.

Tying videos

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