Thread: catskill style dry fly

My first Hendrickson and Catskill style dry fly.

Is the tail okay? I was trying to keep it straight and level with the hook shank but the hackle wouldn't stay together. I'm not sure if this is my hackle/material or is it me.

How many days are left until the first hatch?



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looks pretty good for the tail you can hold your fibers towards you and when you put couple wraps it will bring your fibers with to the center of the shank
here is a website that will show you the catskill proportions Fly Prortportion other than that looks great


john

Thats a very nice attempt for a first try.
Proportions on Catskill dries are so much more critical that other fly designs. Thats why I don't tie many.
I like to have a few for fishing choppy water because they float better and are easy to see.
I would be willing to bet that because the tail is off center and one wing is slightly longer than the other, that fly will not float straight up. Doesn't mean you will not catch any fish with a sideways floating fly. I've caught many myself so I know it will catch a few. Just saying your proportaions need to be perfect if you want the fly to land and float straight up.
Troutfever's tip in regards to the tail is right on!

When you tie in your tail put one wrap under the tail, that will pull it together and lift straight. Also I notice some fuzz on the tail. You want to use very stiff hackle so the tail won't bend under it's own weight. Also don't crowd the eye. Most CSF's have a clean neck. Look at a copy of Mike Valla's book Tying Catskill Style Flies.

I didn't notice the fuzz on the tail or one wing being longer than the other until I took the photos.
Thanks for all the tips guys.

First swimming lesson.


Perfect example of too long hackle for the hook size. The fly sits way too high on the film, tail is bent and barely supports the weight of the fly. This is almost like a dry/emerge style fly.

Here is one way to help with WD wings. Instead if cutting the fibers from each side just take your scissors and nip out the middle of the fibers. The pull both sides together, get rid of any short fibers, measure then tie in. Lift them up to the correct position and wrap at a 45* angle so they will stand up correctly. Do figure eight between equal parts of the fibers to separate them.