Paul's April 2022 Fly of the Month

 The Katterman

Hook:  Mustad 94840 or 94833 Sizes #12 to #18. 

Thread:  Pearsalls gossamer white or Cream 6/0.

Tail:  Brown Hackle Fibers.  

Body:  Peacock Herl.

Hackle:  Brown Hackle Rib, palmered through the body. and fronted by White ‘Face’ Hackle.

 

This fly was designed and developed by famous Catskill Fly Tyer, Walt Dette.  It combines features several flies such as the Bivisable, the Renegade,and the Griffiths Gnat.  I’ve caught fish with it on all the CT rivers and it was one of my top dry flies that I used in Montana. 

 

To tie this fly start your thread behind the eye of the hook.  Wrap your thread down the hook shank to the bend.  Next, tie in 6-8 Brown Hackle Fibers.  The tail should be about the length of the hook shank.  Tie in your Brown Hackle Rib Feather by the butt.  I’ve seen this fly tied a couple different ways.  Sometimes the Brown and White Hackles are the same size.  Sometimes the Brown Hackle is undersized.  It’s really your preference.  I usually use a Brown Hackle that is slightly undersized for the hook I’m using.  Next, tie in 2-3 Peacock Herl Fibers.  Wrap the Peacock Herl forward to the ‘throat’ position leaving enough room for your White Hackle.  Palmer your Brown Hackle forward and tie it off at the throat.  Tie in your White ‘Face’ Hackle.  The hackle should be slightly longer than the Brown Hackle.  Make 4-5 wraps of the Hackle.  Tie it off, whip finish, and apply head cement. 

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month, e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .