Woodcock tail feathers

[JamieDunning 0]

Hello all, 

I'm not a fisherman, but I am interested in the history of fishing flys - particularly the choice of feathers.

I wonder if anybody could point me in the direction of any flys, old or new, which use Woodcock tail feathers specifically. If there are any nice references or recipes I could look at I'd be very interested in doing so. Likewise, name of recipes I could do some research into too. 

Thanks, looking forward to hearing back

Jamie 

[WWKimba 0]

I know of patterns using wing feathers and body (soft hackle) feathers but know of none using tail feathers.  Sorry.

If a gun was put to my head I would guess they could be used as a tail substitute material (most species being made up of browns, grays and blacks) - those feathers are so short and few that I can't think of any other use right now.

Kim

[jamieofthenorth 0]

Another Jamie! Sorry, I've got nothing else to add. Bourbon induced post. 🙂

[SilverCreek 0]

I think you could use them to tail nymphs in the place of pheasant tail fibers. You could also use them for wing cases on nymphs. If the nymph were a small enough size like an i6, you could tied the entire nymph just like a PT nymph.

[DarrellP 0]

Check the Flymph forum.  I know they use woodcock for hackles.  They also have a "winged wets" section.  Good luck.

[flytire 0]

since you are asking about tail feathers, you could use the tail feathers for the "breadcrust" nymph. similar to using grouse

you can also use them for wings on wet flies, wing cases, tail, legs etc

"Breadcrust Nymph" (flyanglersonline.com)