Finding Tailing Material

[flytire 0]

I would go with spade hackle, tailing packs and even coq de leon feathers

[rotaryflytyingdotcom 0]

Fisherboy0301,

Moose Mane works pretty well but normally found only in black and the hair is fairly thick. Deer, moose, elk and other body hairs are OK for tails but they flare a lot because they are hollow. Being hollow makes them buoyant but the flaring makes for unnatural looking tailing. However, flies like the Stimulator or Humpy that flare is incorporated into the pattern design and becomes a plus. Not so if you use body hair for tailing on a Catskill type dry.

[Fisherboy0301 0]

Awesome thanks for the info.

[mikechell 0]

If you've got a cat, and don't want to tie a lot of these types of fly ... look around for shed whiskers. Fantastic strength and a beautiful taper to them.

[utyer 0]

Fisherboy, if you can find Elk or Deer hair from the HOCK (that's the lower leg,) it will be finer than body hair. Hair from the hock won't flare much if at all. Still thicker than hackle barbs, but two or three is all you really need. I don't know of too many shops that sell hair from the hock, but if you call Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, they can usually find you some.

 

There is no reason not to use body hair from Moose, Elk, or Deer for tailing on flies larger than a 14. True, traditional Catskill style flies call for hackle barbs, and a single small bunch for a straight tail, but there is no reason the tail can't be flared. When using body hair for tailing, just a few hairs (4 to 8,) is enough, and spreading or flaring them will help with flotation.

[bighornbuster 0]

If you want a cheap source of fibbets, try the makeup counter at your wife's( or girlfriends) favorite department store. The brushes they use come in different shades and there are samplers. Also a great excuse to start a conversation with a cute saleslady. If you can get the sampler it is a lifetime supply of the material.