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Hackle and Dry Fly Master Class with Chris Johnson and Pat Dorsey. November 6, 6:00–8:30 PM. The Blue Quill Angler, Evergreen, Colorado.

A special evening at the vise

Hackle & Dry Fly Master Class

Great dry flies start with great hackle - and knowing how to choose and use the right feathers makes all the difference.

Join us at The Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen for a special evening with Chris Johnson of Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock, Texas, and our own Pat Dorsey. These two highly respected fly tyers bring decades of experience and an exceptional understanding of hackle selection, feather characteristics, and the techniques behind tying effective dry flies.

From understanding the differences between capes, saddles, and other specialty feathers to selecting the right hackle for specific tying applications, this class will give you the knowledge to make better decisions at the fly shop and more effective use of the materials at your tying bench.

No matter your experience level, you'll leave with practical knowledge and proven techniques to help you select hackle with confidence and tie better dry flies.

What You'll Learn

Understanding Hackle

Discover what makes quality hackle, how different feather characteristics affect your flies, and how to confidently select the right materials for your tying needs. Chris and Pat will share their knowledge of hackle selection, feather types, and the qualities that make certain materials better suited for specific applications.

Dry Fly Techniques

Watch Chris and Pat demonstrate their techniques at the vise as they tie some of their favorite dry fly patterns. Learn how they approach material selection, fly design, and the small details that make a difference in how a fly looks, floats, and fishes.

Learn From Two of the Best

With decades of combined experience as professional guides, fly designers, and educators, Chris and Pat bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the tying bench. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from two experts, ask questions, and gain insights you can apply to your own fly tying.

November 6 • The evening's schedule

From feather selection to the finished fly

6:00–6:50 PM

Hackle 101

  • Hackle anatomy: Learn what capes, saddles, schlappen, and other specialty feathers are, and where they originate on the bird.
  • Rooster vs. hen: Understand differences in feather structure, stiffness, webbing, and movement—and how those characteristics influence their uses at the vise.
  • Genetics: Explore how selective breeding produces specific feather characteristics, what separates premium Whiting hackle from ordinary hackle, and how breeding lineage affects color availability.
  • Selecting the right hackle: Learn to evaluate quality, size, barb density, color, and value when shopping for capes, saddles, and specialty feathers.
6:50–7:00 PM

Short Break

7:00–8:30 PM

On the Vise

Watch Chris and Pat put their material knowledge into practice during live tying demonstrations.

  • Chris Johnson: Chris will demonstrate his Mimic May, Mimic Hopper, and Mimic Mouse, explaining his material choices and tying approach along the way.
  • Pat Dorsey: Pat will demonstrate his dry fly tying techniques and share the practical details that make a difference in how a fly looks, floats, and fishes.

Meet Your Instructors

Chris Johnson of Living Waters Fly Fishing

Chris Johnson

Co-Owner of Living Waters Fly Fishing | Umpqua Signature Fly Designer

Chris brings more than 20 years of guiding experience, along with extensive knowledge of fly tying materials and dry fly design. As a Whiting Farms pro team member, accomplished fly designer, and passionate educator, Chris has a deep understanding of hackle and its applications at the vise.

Pat Dorsey of The Blue Quill Angler

Pat Dorsey

Co-Owner of The Blue Quill Angler | Umpqua Signature Fly Designer

Pat is one of Colorado's most respected fly fishing guides, authors, and fly tyers. With decades of experience on Colorado's technical trout waters, Pat is known for his innovative fly patterns, attention to detail, and ability to translate his on-the-water experience into effective tying techniques.

Take your tying further.

Join Chris Johnson and Pat Dorsey at The Blue Quill Angler shop in Evergreen.
November 6 • 6:00–8:30 PM • $100 per student

Class limited to 15 people.

Or call (303) 674-4700, option 2, to reserve your spot.