Tying the ShuttlecockYellow Owl by Davie McPhail

[JFonFly]

Hi, Davie-

I believe you mentioned a preference for the foam. Have you experimented with folding the CDC in a small, tight loop? Similar concept as CDC Emerger, but tighter loop.

JF

[DavieMcPhail]

Hi JFonFly,

I have tyed a few patterns with a small tight loop of CDC especially on river patterns, but on patterns I fish on the loch the foam works really well especially at a distance as the white foam can be seen easier even though it's sitting in the surface film....

All the best Davie

[kn0bch33s3]

Davie what hook would you suggest for tyings larger than 16. Will the same hook pattern be too heavy?

[DavieMcPhail]

Hi kn0bch33s3,

I wouldn't use the bigger sizes of the hook I used but I would use the Fulling Mill Super Grub or the Kamazan B160 which have the strength and weight needed. There is other hooks out there but these are the ones I find easiest to find in the shops..ATB Davie

[flyfishJJA]

Davie, I really dig this pattern, and I'm tying a variation of it for a "whitefish dry fly" swap here in Idaho. I'm curious where does the "Owl" part of the name come in? Additionally, I think Youtube should have a "love," button so I can properly express my appreciation of your videos. I don't think I could yet tie a decent fly were it not for you!

[DavieMcPhail]

Hi flyfishJJA,

The Yellow Owl is a traditional wet fly and fished in Loch Leven, going by memory as I don't have a book with the pattern in it; Tail: brown partridge fibres, Rib: black ostrich herl, Body: yellow floss, Hackle: brown partridge, Wing: Owl.

I'm really happy that you like the videos and they have helped you a lot in your tying...

All the best Davie

[shockingillusions15]

@DavieMcPhail I love your videos thank you so much but can you help me any tips on tying on wings would be greatly needed

[MacMoose1]

Hi Davie, Is there any chance you could run up a quick video on tying a suspender hare's ear buzzer with the ethafoam head? I'm not so confident at using foam...

Thanks for the videos,

Iain MacMaster.

[rackandclaw]

Davie, My son is 13 and he just loves watching your vids. He has been a candidate for the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team. Is there anywhere I could purchase a couple of your flies for him for a birthday gift? Thanks, Kevin

[staart7477]

Hi Davie,

this is a really nice shuttlecock version. I love to fish these and have tied simple versions of it. Where do you get the yellow dyed peacock eye? Any alternative? It's amazing how you can have a room full of tying materials and just be missing something like "yellow peacock eye".

I know you're a Law fan and am curious whether you've tried the Snowbee Law.

thanks again, Hans Staartjes

[DavieMcPhail]

Hi Hans,

I'm glad you like the fly, I dye my own eyes but you have to look for the peacock eye quills with the best natural colour so that when you dye them you get the best results like on the shuttlecock..An alternative would be to use yellow thread for the body then rib it with black thread this works well for this pattern..

I'm sorry I haven't tried the Snowbee Law vise..

All the best Davie

[staart7477]

I see. Dyeing is another territory, but it's one I'd love to have a go at. Veniards dye? can you recommend a source for the natural peacock eyes as you describe? I'll try it with the thread in the meantime.

many thanks,

Hans