First Attempt at a AK Best Olive Quill Dun

[mvalbano]

Here is my first attempt at a dry fly using a rooster quill. I normally dub, but after watching a bunch of AK Best videos and reading his books, I like this outcome better. Let me know what you think and how I can improve. Thanks!

Mike

[ScottP]

I like the tilt on the tail, the hackle is splayed nicely and the body segmentation looks good; only nit I'd pick is the wing - looks a bit long, unless you're tying a western green drake.

Regards,
Scott

[mvalbano]

Thanks Scott. I tend to get one of the proportions a little off when I tie a new pattern for the first time. I agree the wing can be a little shorter. Thanks for the feedback.

[Steven]

Yeah, the wing. If I rember AK likes them a little bit longer than the classic catskill. I think he calls for shank + eye....but maybe I'm not remembering correctly.

Body, tail and hackle collar look great.

[texfly]

I would agree that the wing is a touch long but other that that very nice job. Nice body , perfect tails and hackle. I don't think the fish will mind a bit.

[Silver Creek]

Compared to this:



http://www.flytyingworld.com/PagesA/...live Quill Dun

[sandfly]

to tell if its a balanced fly drop it to desk top from 6-8 inches high, if it lands up right its balanced..

[mvalbano]

Thank you all for the tips. Does anyone know where to get good quality stripped quills. I used D's and I had a lot break before I got this one to work and that's after soaking in water for a while. I am guess the best way is to make my own, but any suggestions on pre stripped quills would be welcome. Thanks.

[Byron haugh]

Soak them in water for a while before using

[rainbowchaser]

For help with quill bodies check this out:http://www.troutflies.com/tutorials/hairwing/index.shtm