Olive Quill

[Firetiger 0]

 

Step 1: The hook

This will be a grayling fly, so #18 size is the most appropriate. I am using Hanák H130 BL but any other make will do.

 

 

Step 2: Attach the tails

For tying flies use the finest thread in a neutral color. I am using Sheer 14/0 thread in color gray. The tails are cream colored rooster hackle of rather inferior quality. Proportions are important, make sure the tails are about the length of your fly body.

 

 

Step 3: Trim the tail

Trim the tail and use your thread to make a slight taper to the body. Make the last turn of your thread just under the tails, so that they spread a little and turn upward.

 

Step 4: The quill

Attach the peacock quill. For this fly I am using a quill dyed olive, but an ordinary undyed quill will also do. Usually on one side of the quill is the dark stripe more pronounced than on the other. Tie in this more contrasting side facing downward - so that it will be facing upward on the finished fly.

 

 

Step 5: Trim the quill

Trim the quill and finish the tapered look of your fly. Add a drop of tying lacquer to the body to improve its durability (it will be pretty fragile still, but grayling are not known for their chewy teeth).

 

 

Step 6: Wind the quill

Using a pair of hackle pliers wind the quill in direction of your tying thread and secure it with a few wraps of your thread.

 

Step 7: CDC wing

Trim the waste end of the peacock quill. Attach the wing of 2 or 3 fine CDC feathers. Again, proportions are very important. Make the wing just a tiny bit longer than the hook shank.

 

 

Step 8: Trim the CDC

Trim the butt ends of the CDC feathers and make a rough dubbing rope of hare's fur. Be sure that it contains a lot of guard hairs - it will make for a fuzzy impression and improve flotation.

 

 

Step 9: The thorax

Wind the rough dubbing to make thorax. Make two or three wraps behind the wing and just one in front of it. This way you will ensure your imitation has its wing cocked up in a sharp angle - just like the natural insects.

 

 

Step 10: Finishing touches

Complete the thorax and finish your fly with a neat little head. Tease out a few guard hairs from the thorax to give it a more scruffy look.

Take a step back and enjoy your work!

[bluegill576 0]

Nice looking fly and sbs. Will have to try it out.