Darbee Hackle Fly on Allcock W173

[tie2fish]

During the recent weekend in Roscoe celebrating the induction of Pete Hidy into the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum's Hall of Fame, I had the good fortune to meet member Dana Reed (Theroe) and swap a few flies. Dana was also good enough to gift me with some amazing original Darbee hackle feathers, some Allcock vintage hooks, and a small piece of a Southern Fur Seal pelt.

I have since spent some time attempting to mimic the Ivan's Varient pattern that Dana has introduced to us, a proven fish killer originated by his friend and mentor Ivan Willard. After several attempts and valuable guidance from Dana, I have finally produced a fly that I'm not ashamed to post here. The body is a trimmed hackle stem, the thorax is a blend of the seal fur and raccoon tail underfur, and both the tail and wing are barbs from the stem that forms the body. They are tied on a Size #10 vintage Allcock W173 hook.

[letumgo]

Bill,

Nice! I love the body taper. Did you get that shape entirely from the quill, or did you augment it with a thread underbody? Please spill your secrets.

[tie2fish]

Bill,

Nice! I love the body taper. Did you get that shape entirely from the quill, or did you augment it with a thread underbody? Please spill your secrets.

Only a moderate buildup with tying thread, Ray. I'm certainly no expert with quill bodies, but it looks as though the amount of taper enhancement required is a function of the quill being used. Dana also gave me some smaller quills for use on smaller hooks, and the difference in stem diameter from small end to large end is significant. These require little or no underbody buildup to produce a nice even taper.

[letumgo]

Thanks Bill.

[daringduffer]

Old man, old hook and old hackle, but the triumph is fresh.

dd

[swellcat]

Old man, old hook, and old hackle, but the triumph is fresh.

(Epic!)

[fly_fischa]

That is gorgeous Bill and the quill body looks amazing... K

[DOUGSDEN]

Another Classic Bill! I just can't believe how truly good your tying is! You are the premier tier on the Atlantic coast....perhaps the world!
Pal Doug

[Theroe]

Another Classic Bill! I just can't believe how truly good your tying is! You are the premier tier on the Atlantic coast....perhaps the world!
Pal Doug

You know what Doug? I second that motion - very seriously. Bills flies are ALWAY “just exactly perfect”

Dana