Tying the Perfect Catskill Fly

Eric embarks on a Quixote-like quest for the perfect Catskill style fly, taking a shot at the original, Theodore Gordon's Quill Gordon.

Link to Stripping Peacock Herl:
   • Stripping Peacock Herl with Eric Austin  

Quill Gordon Recipe
Hook: Allcock W145, Mustad 94840, or modern Tiemco or Daicchi standard dry fly, #12 and #14
Thread: Originally silk, any thread around 70 denier is fine
Wings: Wood duck flank, hook length
Tail: 6-8 stiff blue dun hackle barbs, hook length
Body: Stripped peacock herl
Hackle: Blue dun or dark blue dun, sized ½ size larger than hook (2 times gap)

Eric Austin
http://traditionalflies.com/index.php