Dark Cahill
The Dark Cahill is a classic Catskill dry fly attributed to Dan Cahill of Port Jervis, New York, who developed the original Cahill pattern in the late nineteenth century. It is used as a general imitation of darker mayfly duns and is particularly effective during spring and early-summer hatches on Eastern trout streams. The fly is typically presented with a drag-free dead drift in sizes 12 through 16, although smaller versions can be useful when trout become selective. Like other traditional Catskill patterns, the Dark Cahill requires careful proportions and neatly divided upright wings, making it a good pattern for practicing classic dry-fly techniques.
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Recipe
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Hook · Standard Dry Fly Hook
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Thread · Tan tying thread
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Tail · Dark ginger hackle fibers
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Body · Grey muskrat fur
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Wing · Lemon woodduck flank
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Hackle · Dark ginger hackle