Quill-body flies are some of the most beautiful creations tiers can craft at the vise, but stripping feather quills can be kind of a pain.
Here, the process is somewhat demystified by Tim Flagler, who shows us the best ways to strip both hackle quills and peacock quills, and, just as importantly, how to care for them once they’re stripped in order to produce the best possible final product.
If you’re into quill-body flies, but have avoided trying to tie them, this little primer ought to be enough to get you started. As usual, Tim’s easy explanation makes it seem a little simpler than it is—but after a little practice, you’ll get it down and be tying some gorgeous dry flies for the coming season.
— Chris Hunt