FLYMPH FORUM

Hook. Daiichi 1480 size 12.
Silk. Lt.Orange Pearsalls gossamer #6a.
Head. Peacock Herl.
Hackle. English wood cock under covert.
Body. Lt. Orange silk.

Very nice ! Always loved the name of this fly. I’ve had trouble getting the peacock
head to look orderly. Yours on the other hand are beautiful. Any tips Tom ?

To apply a Herl head to this type of fly there should be no thread in front of the Herl. That and quality peacock is essential. Quality peacock is becoming a thing of the past. Years ago I found a dead peacock on the road in Maine hit by a car. Best I have ever seen.

Tom

So Tom are you suggesting that I drive up to Maine and start canvassing the local roads in the hopes
that I’ll hit a stray peacock ? . Easy peazy ! What qualities are you looking for in a good herl ?

A mature bird. These kind of feathers with large vibrant bronzy fronds are usually not found in fly shops but can sometimes be found in antique shops. You will usually find a vase somewhere in the shop with a display of them. As I have said before the good stuff never hits a fly shop wall! And, no you don't have to drive to Maine. Plenty of antique shops and zoos in Massachusetts not to mention the people who have made pets of them. When I lived in Newbury there was one that drove the mailman nuts!

Tom.

Thanks Tom. Yes an Antique store a good tip.

Tom,

On this fly, are you tying the herl head on first? Also wondering
where you're putting your whip finish; between herl and hackle or
behind the hackle?

Thanks- Ken

Yes the Herl is the first thing on the fly! Then the Hackle is put and wound back (hardest part) Tied off and then the body down and back tie off just behind Hackle. Straighten Hackle!

Tom

Simply perfect...