Jump to content
Fly Tying
mking5hd

Hackle for smaller wet flies - size 14 and smaller.

Recommended Posts

What's a good material (besides partridge) to use for size 14 and smaller wet flies?

Hen neck or starling will do well for you. There are also techniques to tie a larger feather proportionate to a smaller fly. I typically take a larger feather, cut out the very tip of it to make a V shape. Preen the feather to align the tips, and use loose wraps to distribute the fibers around the hook. This works best if you are wrapping immediately in front of a thorax or other type of bump.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What flytire said. Also, if you are looking for the "right" size of hackle feather, it's a good idea to buy a whole skin so that you have lots of options when it comes to sizes. If you only have a cape you are somewhat limited in sizes and you must defer to the "cheater technique" to make them work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I like hen necks, especially the Whiting Cog de Leon hen necks. Also, if you can find Chinese or Indian hen necks they are fun to work with. Of course partridge and quail are normally my first choice on soft hackles.

 

Steve

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As said a full skin gives lots more options. All the game birds will provide small hackles. Mallard, pheasant, quail, grouse are in my drawers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Don't forget the inner and outer covert feathers on game bird and duck wings. Those small feathers make some great spiders. You may already have some for other uses.

Cheers,

C.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A starling skin will also give you lots of small soft hackle feathers.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have any friends that hunt upland birds, a snipe makes nice, small soft hackles. They are similar in color to partridge.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Colin,

I hope by "drawers" you are meaning items of household furniture, not underwear? I do hope so, or had I better go warn those who take part in the fly swaps.

 

Cheers,

C.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Grouse.

Ruffed, Blue, Franklin's (AKA Spruce), Sharptail and if you're lucky to find it Sage. Find someone in the west who hunts. Chick survival is very dependent on a dry spring but grouse can be very plentiful some years and are often the main course at dinner.

 

There's also various species of quail that have tiny feathers for soft hackled wets. Whole skins and loose feathers are available through most dealers or you can find them on ebay.

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...