This time we go back to the days when dry flies were tied with all natural materials, and tie one of our favorite dry flies for early spring - the Hendrickson. The fly itself is not too hard to tie, but it was a little tricky for Tim to film and then produce, but again, he nails it. For best viewing, maximize the video on your monitor.
Catskill Hendrickson
Hook: Standard dry fly
Thread: 6/0 Olive Danville
Wing: Woodduck flank fibers - divided
Tail: Medium dun hackle fibers
Body: Mixed 1/3 tan, 1/3 pink and 1/3 gray fur dubbing
Hackle: Medium dun
In the video, I use two hackles to show how that is/was done, as that is how I learned to tie this style fly many years ago. Back then, 1960-70's, we didn't have genetic rooster capes, instead we tied with Indian rooster cape hackle, which was shorter with fewer hackle barbs than what is available today. Now I mostly tie them with one hackle from a genetic cape tied in in front of the wing and wrapped back to the body and then forward again. We'll show you this method at a later date. Also, the original Hendrickson was tied with pink urine stained fox fur for the body, but I tied it here with rabbit since that is more widely available.
Sharpen your hooks, and good luck on opening day if you decide to brave the crowds.
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