Jump to content
Fly Tying
ducksoup

Preparing duck flank feathers

Recommended Posts

I'm wanting to start tieing more traditional Atlantic salmon flies using flank feathers from the various species of duck to make strip wings. My question is, do I need to do something to these feathers to make them more durable? Should I treat them with a spray artist fixatant like I currently use on various duck and goose wing feathers and turkey tail feathers, or just leave them untreated? It seems these soft flank feathers are fairly delicate and the fibers would want to separate if left untreated with something. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks for all your help.

Tom

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I never treat my flank feathers. To get wings that hold together you need to be selective about what feathers you use and what section of those feathers you use. I bronze mallard, for instance, there really is only a small section of each feather that's good for wings and even then you need to tie the slips in with your thread over the white fibers next to the shaft or the wing will split.

 

Personally I prefer my wings to split and separate, I think they swim better that way and I only tie fishing flies so looks don't matter. For the last few years I have only tied mixed or bunched duck flank wings, that is so much easier and separates the fibers before I even get my fly wet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I will give my uneducated opinion, for what that's worth. The fancy, traditional Atlantic salmon flies should be tied as art and if you handle them carefully, they will be fine. If you want to catch Atlantic salmon, use spey flies.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...