The photo is a bit washed out. This is an old timers fly, a version of the breadcrust developed on PA's Brodhead creek. It breaks all of my own rules, hardbodied when I prefer fuzzy, and stiff hackled when I prefer soft. The body is the center stem of a ruffed grouse tail feather either brown phase or grey, but brown preferred. The hackle is dark dun, or preferably grizzly dun, all the better with rusty edges, if you can find such a critter. To tie the fly first cut all the barbs off the stem with a single edge razor. Don't try to strip them off because you will take part of the color with them. I find it best to lay the feather flat, and cut from the base toward the tip. Try not to leave little stubs. Then cut the butt end of the stem away, and insert the razor into the end of the stem, splitting it side to side. Only the top of the stem is useful. Don't try it with a shaving razor, they are too sharp and the cut will want to wander. Hold the razor in your right hand, and slowly push the stem into it with your left hand in 1/4" steps. You will ruin a few and curse me before you get the hang of it. Leave the white pith in the center alone.
You should end up with a tapered piece that can be tied on and wrapped to make a tapered body, hackled as usual.
