Preventing Elk hair from flaring

[Mlandry 0]

I have been tying Stimulators using Elk hair and I can't seem to prevent it from

flaring when I cinch it down. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Heff2 0]

You may want a different chunk of hair that isn’t as hollow. The closer you can tie to the start of the black tips the less the hair will flare.  That said some times you can get away with doing a few medium tension wraps, then crank it down closer to the eye.  You could try a loose wrap around the bunch but that can bunch it too much.  

[niveker 0]

2 minutes ago, Heff2 said:

a few medium tension wraps, then crank it down closer to the eye.  You could try a loose wrap around the bunch but that can bunch it too much.  

+1

[flyflinger 0]

Ditto on the technique above.

Additionally, use bull elk hair (vs. cow elk) if you can find it specified as such (input from Charlie Craven).  For more of his detailed instructions, see link below.    

Regards,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puBFY6CQjWQ

 

[Jaydub 0]

For Stimulators, you could try making a wrap or two of dubbed thread over the Elk, behind where it's cinched down with bare thread.

[chugbug27 0]

Here's Craven's article - really clear discussion on which hair for which wings and why

https://midcurrent.com/flies/fly-tying-hair-selection/

[fishfrnzy2 0]

Back in the day when hair was sold in cut pieces stored in bins you would pick through the hair to get the best stuff for the flies you were tying.  We cut 2x3" sections fro full hides and different parts of deer, elk, moose, antelope and caribou would have different textures and the hair was hollow to a greater or lesser extent.  It pays to be picky and you need several different pieces to make different styles of flies.  If the hair you have is very hollow then you will struggle to get it to not flair with compression from the thread.  In the classes we taught at the fly shop we would put out about 10 patches and have everyone squeeze about a pencil diameter of hair between your fingertips and how much it flares will tell you a lot about what it will do when you tie with it.  Today if you go to a shop to buy hair pull the hair out of the zip lock bag and check several patches.  the closer to the animal's mane(back & neck) the less hollow and less flotation you will get.  Antelope and Caribou are very hollow and spin easily.  FWIW  A few good suggestions above to help gather it.  Personally I tie it in a little forward tightly then take some looser wraps to gather the hair while controlling with the fingertips.  Much easier when you start with the best hair for the job.  I would never buy hair online as with most feathers, pick the stuff out in person.  

[Mlandry 0]

Thanks everyone.

Mike