Quill Body CDC Mayfly Emerger

Materials

How to Tie the Quill Body CDC Mayfly Emerger

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the emerger hook and start the tan thread. Wrap a smooth base to the bend of the hook.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Select a peacock herl and carefully strip the fibers to reveal the quill. Tie in the stripped quill at the bend.

   Soak the peacock herl in water or bleach briefly to make stripping easier and the quill more pliable.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Wrap the stripped quill forward in touching turns to create a beautifully segmented abdomen. Tie off at the thorax. Apply a thin coat of UV resin over the quill body to seal and protect it.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in a white CDC oiler puff on top of the shank as a wing/post, extending upward and slightly rearward for visibility.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Dub a small amount of olive Superfine dubbing at the thorax. Add 2-3 brown CDC feather wraps around the thorax for buoyancy and movement.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in a few natural partridge fibers on each side as emerging legs. Build a small thread head, whip finish, and apply a drop of head cement.

   Apply floatant to the wing and thorax only—let the abdomen hang in the surface film.