Hackle for soft hackle flies

[raven4ns]

Hello,
I have partridge hackle and I bought a black hen hackle for soft hackle flies but the flyshop didn't have much of a selection. Could any of you suggest a fly shop that has a good selection of hackle for soft hackle flies? Since I live in Nova Scotia, they would need to ship it to Canada and not all shops might be willing to do that. Thank you for any and all help.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Most of my wet fly supplies comes from Jim's Fly Company. www.jimsflyco.com I'm not sure about shipping to Canada, but it would be worth an e-mail to find out.

[jaydawg]

I've had good luck with the hen capes from these guys.

http://featheremporium.com/Fly-Tying-Fe ... e-hen.html

[Mataura mayfly]

Tim, like Ron suggested, try jimsflyco. He ships all the way to New Zealand- so I do not see Canada being out of the realm of possibilities.

[Old Hat]

Yep, I think Jim's has the best selection. Great Feathers is another nice place if you want some of the harder to find gamebirds.

[raven4ns]

Thank you for the suggestions, now I have to figure out what I'm going to need without going too crazy. Dryflys are still my favorite method for catching trout but I want to try the soft hackle as well. Does anyone sell soft hackles similar to the Whiting 100's, just a thought? Thank you again for your help.

Tim

[Mataura mayfly]

I am not aware of hackle packs for soft hackle, like the Whiting 100's, but then again- full hen hackles are usually a heck of a lot cheaper than some of those Whiting packs- so maybe there is no real point to them packing single feathers versus whole capes?

I know someone that has just got a heap of ginger hen hackle if you might like some to try and play around with until you decide to start placing big orders.

[raven4ns]

Lol.....thank you Mataura for your kind offer, I have some partridge hackles as well as a black hen hackle to work with. First, I need to decide which patterns I want to tie and then go from there. Dry flys will always be my preferred method of catching trout so I won't need a ton of soft hackle capes. It will, however, add another arrow to my flyfishing quiver. Thank you again for your kindness, I appreciate it.

I am not aware of hackle packs for soft hackle, like the Whiting 100's, but then again- full hen hackles are usually a heck of a lot cheaper than some of those Whiting packs- so maybe there is no real point to them packing single feathers versus whole capes?

I know someone that has just got a heap of ginger hen hackle if you might like some to try and play around with until you decide to start placing big orders.

[JohnP]

I like using the inexpensive Indian hen necks, which are usually available for around $6 or less in natural, olive and black. The Whiting Brahma hen is also really good. Or, if you are really lucky, you have a friend like DUBBN, who sends you hackle without your even having to ask.
Here's a link to one source:
http://www.blue-ribbon-flies.com/shop/s ... hen_backs/

Starling is also good:
http://www.blue-ribbon-flies.com/shop/p ... ing_skins/

[raven4ns]

Hi John,
Do you mean my Uncle Dubbin....lol. That is nice to have a buddy who shows his friendship in such a manner. Well done, Dubbin, it looks good on you bud. Thank you for the suggestion John, that sounds like a reasonable compromise to the more expensive hackle. My dryfly hackle is Whiting saddles and some older Metz necks that I got years ago. Typically, I only buy saddles now at least when people aren't buying them for their hair....lol. Thank you again, John, for the suggestions it is appreciated. Oh and by the way please say hello to my Uncle Dubbin, he is my favorite uncle...ahahahahaha.