J, RW here,

I tie them as close to Catskill dimensions as I can, but I'm not a fanatic about it. I too, use the Mustad 94833 fine wire. I always have and have no trouble getting my dries to float. Hackle quality, floatant, water type, clean line, also all have an effect on a floating fly. Hans probably came up with the best all around answer.

Later, RW