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Steelhead Hackle?

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I've been looking at alot of steelhead patterns lately and most of them have really long hackle fibers compared to the saddle hackle that I use on most of my bass patterns. Can anyone clue me in into what type of hackle is used for these flies. Here's an example:

 

user posted image

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My guess would be schlappen too. But normally most aren't that long of throats/collars on the flies. Not normally that is. Most "traditional" would be tied a bit shorter. Most "spey" style have the longer flowing throats like that one. I'd say it's more of an atlantic salmon knockoff then what we steelheaders would call a "steelhead" hackle. Normally, I don't use bigger hackle, except on my 1/0+ hooks for OlyPen steelhead.

 

but a nice fly. Reminds me of an Atlantic Salmon fly I saw in the UK.

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Steelhead69,

 

What type of hackle would you recommend for most of the collars on your steelhead flies like a Purple Peril or a similar pattern?

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I mostly use saddle hackle for most of my applications. Plus, you have to decide if you want more of a collar or a throat. Usually, I go more for the collar effect on my steelhead flies. Like I said, rarely go that long except on spey/atlantic type flies, or spiders.

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I want to weigh in on the "what would you recommend..."

 

I will, generally, vary my collar hackle depending on hook size.

 

i.e., Purple Peril: McLeod's 1930's pattern description isn't specific, from what I remember. So, I will use schlappen on larger sizes, saddles on smaller. The last Purple Peril I tied was for display and donation. I used a very nice dyed hen saddle.

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Thanks guys for all your advise. I'm slowly getting better and learning alot of little tips from you guys. rockon.gif

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I've been using some dyed long goat hair for collars that I got from Chris Helm. It's nice and soft and plenty long enough. Comes in nice bright colors too.

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Dfix, I should've clarified on that one. Normally, most of my "commercial" flies are tied on size 2 and under. Only some of my OlyPen customers use 1/0 up flies. So a saddle hackle will be more then enough collar for the fly. I have tied quite a few large donation flies too (up to size 5/0) and I agree, schlappen does work better for those flies.

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Steelie, no argument from me - I don't tie comm., but wanted to clarify what I do - strictly proportional, just like you suggest.

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