Black Quill Dun

The Black Quill Dun is a traditional dry fly rooted in the earliest American mayfly patterns, created to imitate the dark-bodied duns that appear in cooler months when trout feed cautiously on small, somber naturals. Early tiers favored stripped quill bodies because they produced a slim, segmented profile long before synthetics existed, and the fly’s subtle contrast made it a dependable choice on clear, calm water. Over time, the pattern evolved with improved hackle and wing materials but kept the same minimalist silhouette that earned it a reputation as a reliable “tough hatch” fly. Its clean lines, dark tones, and upright posture make it a consistent producer whenever trout are feeding on small, understated insects.

Trim just a single hackle fiber off each side of the fly after tying—this micro-flattening helps the fly “hinge” slightly in the film, giving it the delicate side-to-side wobble that trout key on when natural duns struggle to break the surface tension.