Blue Quill

The "Blue Quill" dry fly, often considered a variation of the iconic "Quill Gordon," is believed to have originated in the Catskill region of New York, where the tradition of American dry fly fishing began. Designed to imitate the early-spring Paraleptophlebia adoptiva mayfly, the Blue Quill is a slimmer, subtler version of its Gordon counterpart, perfectly suited for clear, cold waters. Its delicate construction and elegant profile make it a go-to fly for trout anglers seeking to match the hatch during the cooler months of late March through April, when Blue Quills are among the first mayflies to emerge.

Dry-to-Wet Transition: When hatches are sparse, grease only the hackle and wings of the Blue Quill, allowing the tail to sink slightly. This technique imitates a struggling mayfly transitioning from emerger to adult and often tempts wary trout.