FLYMPH FORUM

Continuing my experiments using the "shortened" partridge hackle technique that I discussed here a couple of weeks back, I have decided that my future partridge skin purchases will be based primarily on color, with less regard for feather barb length. I have previously been obsessed with trying to find skins that had goodly quantities of feathers that would allow me to tie flies on little (#16 and smaller) hooks, and I have been frustrated more often than not.

Now I have discovered that -- with some practice and patience -- not only can I tie the desired smaller flies using relatively large feathers, but I can also get the darker brown colors and markings that are preferred by some spider historians. In addition, I can easily achieve two other desired features: hackle barbs that stick out at 90 degrees (for better flexibility in the water) and small neat heads. Witness this Partridge and Yellow tied on a Size #18 dry fly hook:

Great fishing fly and a wonderful tying skill!

Bill, I enjoyed your fly, and reading your experimentation. Buying skins based on color, and not length, is something to ponder. I like what you have come up with. Could you tell me after you have fished these for a while, do the fish notice a difference? When you say you buy based on color....does that mean you purposely choose skins with more brown? Or do you mean you look for dyed partridge skins? I am unsure of what you mean.

Bill - Great post! Just goes to show, what's possible with the right skills. Thanks for pushing the envelope and raising the bar.

Kelly L. wrote:Bill, I enjoyed your fly, and reading your experimentation. Buying skins based on color, and not length, is something to ponder. I like what you have come up with. Could you tell me after you have fished these for a while, do the fish notice a difference? When you say you buy based on color....does that mean you purposely choose skins with more brown? Or do you mean you look for dyed partridge skins? I am unsure of what you mean.

I mean the former, Kelly -- more strikingly marked brown coloration, which is the shade of partridge that John Shaner says is what the North Country tyers preferred. To my mind, dying a prime partridge skin would amount to sacrilege (unless it happened to be picric of course )

Or blue dun.

I am going to do some experimenting here Bill with your technique on other feathers. I have some that I wanted to tie with from various species that were just too large.

Picric definitely came to my mind. Now that would be cool. Thank for sharing your thoughts on the brown colored skins. I will have to remember that the next time I buy one. I won't need one for quite a while though...

You've got it down, my friend! Wish I did. How about a step-by-step photo tutorial?

Tom

Izaak wrote:You've got it down, my friend! Wish I did. How about a step-by-step photo tutorial?

Tom

Ditto

Bill,

Well done, sir.

I find that the stem thickness and shape sometimes buggers me up more than the length of the hackle fibers.

There's always a solution to every tying challenge, and you have presented an elegant and practical option.

Best,

Tim