Dry FliesGinger Quill
The Ginger Quill is a classic dry fly pattern with origins stretching back more than 200 years, making it one of the oldest and most revered patterns in fly fishing history. Tied in the traditional Catskill style, this elegant fly features a slender stripped peacock quill body that creates a beautifully segmented appearance no other material can replicate. Despite its age, the Ginger Quill remains highly effective at fooling selective trout.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
The Ginger Quill is tied in the traditional Catskill style, which demands precise proportions and careful technique. The key to a successful fly is the stripped peacock quill body, which must be wrapped with touching turns to create the distinctive segmented appearance. Many tiers avoid this pattern due to its exacting requirements, but mastering it is a rite of passage for serious fly tiers. The matched mallard wing segments and properly proportioned hackle are essential for the fly to land and ride correctly on the water's surface.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Standard dry-fly hook (Dai-Riki #300 or similar), #14–#20
Thread: Olive, 6/0 or 140 denier
Wings: Mallard primary feather segments, matched pair
Tail: Ginger or brown hackle fibers
Body: Stripped peacock quill, natural
Hackle: Ginger or brown, dry-fly quality
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective throughout the traditional trout season from spring through fall. Particularly productive during mayfly hatches when fish are looking up and feeding on lighter-colored insects.
Presentation
Cast upstream or up-and-across and allow the fly to drift naturally with the current. The Catskill-style tie ensures the fly lands upright and rides high on the water. Avoid drag at all costs, as selective trout will refuse any fly that moves unnaturally.
When to Use
Best during mayfly hatches, particularly when lighter-colored mayflies like Pale Morning Duns or Light Cahills are emerging. Also effective as a searching pattern on freestone streams during summer evenings.
Water Type
Excels on classic trout streams with moderate current, particularly the pools and runs of Eastern freestone rivers. The Catskill style was developed specifically for the demanding spring creeks and tailwaters of the Catskill Mountains.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapered to 5X or 6X tippet for proper turnover and delicate presentation. The light tippet helps the fly drift naturally and prevents micro-drag that educated trout will detect.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a high-riding dry fly that floats on its hackle tips and tail. The ginger coloring provides good visibility to the angler while remaining natural to the fish. Apply floatant sparingly to the hackle, avoiding the delicate quill body which can become waterlogged.
