Wings/Tails/Quills

Quills, often stripped from peacock or goose feathers, are used to create segmented, realistic bodies on nymphs and dry flies. When wrapped around the hook, they produce a natural ribbing effect that mimics the segmentation of insect bodies. Quill bodies are slim, durable when reinforced, and give flies a clean, natural look that’s effective in technical fishing situations.

Tails are typically tied with stiff, durable fibers from materials like pheasant tail, hackle barbs, or coq de leon.

Biots are stiff, tapered fibers taken from the leading edge of goose or turkey primary feathers. They are commonly used to form tails, wings, and body segments on both dry flies and nymphs. When wrapped around the hook shank, biots naturally create a segmented, ribbed body with a slight sheen—perfect for imitating mayfly nymphs and emergers. They are also often tied in as tails and legs for added realism or used as wing cases on patterns like stoneflies and mayflies. Because of their natural taper and durability, biots give flies a clean, professional look with minimal bulk.