How to Tie a Small Olive Quilled Muddler by Davie McPhail

Today we are having a look at the Small Olive Quilled Muddler tied by Davie McPhail. The original Muddler was designed by Don Grapen in 1937. Since then, his fly has inspired a large number of variations that all feature the signature, clipped deer hair head. The Muddler is a surface fly, stripped quickly across the top of the water creating a wake. Davie's pattern if fished more like a Wet Fly fished in the or just below the surface of the water. This is a brilliant pattern that can be used throughout the season, but is best used when Pond or Lake Olives are hatching.

All of the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre as listed below, but as always, if you need any help finding materials or substitutes then we'll be happy to help. Time to tie the Small Olive Quilled Muddler, with the guidance of Davie McPhail.




Materials Used:
Hook: Fulling Mill Competition Heavyweight or All-Purpose Medium size 12 Thread: Uni-8/0 Olive Dun Tail: Olive Cock Hackle Fibres Body: Dyed Olive Peacock Quill Wing: Bronze or Grey Mallard Head and Collar: Dyed Olive Roe Deer Hair

Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of Varnish, which he applied to the thread after completing the fly.

Davie's preferred type of whip finish tool can be found HERE!

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