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The pattern notebook · wet

Dark Cahill Wet Fly

How do you tie a Dark Cahill Wet Fly?

Dark Cahill Wet Fly is a wet fly pattern for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. Find its 6 materials and 14 tying steps below.

Difficulty
2 of 5
Target species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Pattern designer
Traditional (Dan Cahill variant)

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Wet Fly Hook, TMC 3769, sizes 10-16
  • Thread (6/0), Brown
  • Wood Duck Flank (tail)
  • Muskrat Fur Dubbing, Dark Gray
  • Dark Ginger Hen Hackle
  • Wood Duck Flank (wing)

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure hook in vise with shank level

  2. Attach thread one eye length behind eye, wrap to bend

  3. Cut wood duck flank fibers and measure to hook shank length for tail

  4. Tie in wood duck fibers at bend using pinch method

  5. Take small amount of muskrat fur dubbing and twist onto thread to form noodle

  6. Dub tapered body covering 3/4 of hook shank, leaving 1/4 for hackle and wing

  7. Tie in brown hen hackle by the tip

  8. Wrap hackle 3-4 times to form collar, stroking fibers toward bend with each wrap

  9. Take wood duck flank fibers and roll between thumb and index finger to form roll wing

  10. Measure wing so tips do not extend past bend

  11. Transfer to tying hand and secure wing using pinch method

  12. Cut wood duck butts at angle to help form triangular head

  13. Build thread head, whipfinish and cut thread

  14. Apply head cement

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