How to Tie Peacock Quill Bodies

Peacock quills are stripped and wrapped on a hook to build slender, segmented bodies. Traditional quill flies use a mallard flank tail, mallard wing and hackle to create a dry fly. The quills are also used on modern nymphs, emergers and any fly that requires a slender body. Mayflies are the most common use for quills but the material is also useful on gnat and emerging chironomid patterns. Peacock quills are delicate and require close inspection for cracks and breaks that cause unraveling as you wrap the body.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 8/0 thread
  • Peacock feather
  • Razor blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp the hook in the vise. Begin wrapping the thread above the hook eye. Wrap the thread to the bend, building a smooth base for the quill body.

    • 2

      Measure the tail to match the length of the hook. Make seven thread wraps to hold it on the bend. Cut the extra base section of the tail flush to the hook.

    • 3

      Cut a peacock quill fiber from a large feather. Use a quill from the center of the feather for maximum diameter and durability. Hold the fiber on a flat table and place the sharp edge of a razor blade against the top of the fiber. Pull the fiber along the blade to shave the material. Rotate the fiber and repeat until you have a smooth section of quill.

    • 4

      Hold the quill fiber on the hook bend. Make seven thread wraps. Wrap the thread two-thirds of the way down the hook shank.

    • 5

      Wrap the quill fiber around the hook until you reach the thread. Overlap each wrap to prevent any gaps from forming in the body. Make seven thread wraps to complete the body and cut the extra quill off the hook.

    • 6

      Tie the remainder of the fly pattern between the base of the body and the eye of the hook. The exact materials vary based on the specific pattern.