FLYMPH FORUM

Premerger wrote:
Robert Smith tells me that peacock quill isn't part of the North Country tradition as far as he knows.
I am wondering, when and where did it become popular in tying trout flies?

Halford used it extensively in his dries. I suspect that went a long way toward making it popular, although I don't know where he got it from.

Tim, each one of these could be a go to standard filling my boxes. That is just a solid looking pattern. No info on who first wrapped the quill on a spider, but it probably happened to a bunch of people, seems like a no brainer. Kind of digging the fuzzy whip finish as well. Beautiful set.

Please post more of your stuff. I could just follow your lead and be very happy.

Premerger, Howdy;

Tim, ... beauties!
When I enlarged them I noticed that they kinda-sorta resemble flies tyed with biots.
Can anyone explain the major differences (other than brittleness), of using one rather
than the other. Maybe what I am asking is this, is/can one a substitute for the other ???
Thanks for thoughts and opinions.

hank

Howdy Hank,

I don't have enough experience with biots to comment (sensibly!).
These are tied on a #16 hook.
The body length of our main mayfly crawlers is about the same as this hook.
I like the similarity between the appearance of quill and the mayfly body.
Jim Leisenring thought fur dubbed bodies fished better than quill bodies.
What do we think about that?

I was unaware Halford used quill bodies, thinking that they were a North American thing. Thank you for pointing that out.

Tim you asked if I might have a picture of the quill winged fly I mentioned. In truth I have taken some pics of flies I have tied but have never tried sending them to forums such as this. You did get me to go to the tying room and whip up a #18 and take a few pics. I have to say, Macro photography sure magnifies the ugly stuff. It also gets one to appreciate the talents of those that are kind enough to post their flies.

Regards, Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Where are they now?
My photo skills are so minimal, that everyone should be encouraged to have a go.
Agree with you on closeups, there is no corner to hide in!
Fortunately we're just dealing with fishing flies .

Premerger wrote:Fortunately we're just dealing with fishing flies .

Amen to that!