#50 - Black Cat

Tied by: Darren MacEachern
Originated by: Carrie Stevens
Sources: Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies - Hilyard Pg. 126-127

Hook: Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek 8xl #1
Thread: Black
Tag: Silver tinsel
Tail: Red hackle fibers
Body: Silver tinsel
Belly: White bucktail
Throat: Black hackle fibers
Wing: Four black hackles
Eye: Jungle cock nail
Head: Black (optional red band)

Notes: There is a certain elegance in the simple patterns such as the Black Cat. While it does appear simple, there are a couple spots on the fly to take note of, and failing to do so will result in a bit of a messy fly. The tail is somewhat difficult if you want to maintain a smooth body. The best way I have found to keep the body smooth is to extend the bulk of the tail along the length of the body. I use a piece of yarn to achieve this. The other spot to pay close attention to is the jungle cock nail. It is glued onto the wing along the stem, and because there is no shoulder feather to hide any excess glue, the tyer must be precise with the application of glue while assembling the wing. Some versions of the streamer also include a splash of red schlappen in front of the wing.