Top 6 Commonly Used Hen Neck Colors?

[RickA]

I believe he does Ron. Not a better deal going anywhere.

I'll second that, and yes, he does include the saddle.
I was sorry Charlie was not at the FFS in Jersey last January.
Apparently the cost for vendors became prohibitive.
He always had a selection of variants that were just a little different
and you never knew what you would find rummaging through his totes.

[FlyFisherMann1955]

Ray,

Here is my first shot at trying out the hen necks from Charlie Collins. These are all tied on size 14 1XL hooks.

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Tag & ribbing: XS Ultra Wire - Copper
Body: 2 strands of peacock (Wrapped together)
Hackle: Furnace (3 turns)
Thread: Uni 8/0 - Orange

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Tail: Medium Dun Hackle
Body: Olive hare's ear spun on olive Pearsall's Gossamer
Hackle:Medium Dun (3 turns)
Head: Peacock (very fine, 3 turns)
Thread: Uni 8/0 - Olive

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Under body: Mirage Tinsel (Medium) - Opal
Over body: Vinyl Round Rib (Medium) - Amber
Thorax: Peacock (6 turns)
Hackle: Ginger (3 turns)
Thread: Sheer 14/0 - Black

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Tail: Wood Duck
Body: Hare's ear & muskrat blend spun on Golden olive Pearsall's
Hackle: Badger (3 turns)
Thread: Orvis 6/0 - Brown

I tied the hackle in first on each fly, extending out over the eye. When it was time to wrap them, I pulled them straight up and wrapped them forward. I liked the way these hackles wrapped, without twisting and I think they lay back nicely. Is 3 turns 1 too many? The badger hackle resulted in a nice 2-tone effect (when you look from the front). It's not as noticeable with the furnace as I had hoped!

Tight lines- Ken

[Roadkill]

Those are all fish catchers, start filling the boxes and hit the water!

[letumgo]

Those are all lovely flies and deadly looking fishing flies.

I like your hackle density. If you want a more cone shaped collar, try folding the hackle fibers before wrapping. Or simply pinch the fibers into submission after finishing the fly. The hackle fibers are quite malleable and can be “trained”.

Thanks for sharing these with us.

[Theroe]

Those are all lovely flies and deadly looking fishing flies.

I like your hackle density. If you want a more cone shaped collar, try folding the hackle fibers before wrapping. Or simply pinch the fibers into submission after finishing the fly. The hackle fibers are quite malleable and can be “trained”.

Thanks for sharing these with us.

or, Scotch tie!!!!!

[FlyFisherMann1955]

I called Charlie Collins again to expand my collection of hen neck colors. I can see this becoming a regular occurrence. His price is $20.00 each when you buy multiples and pick the colors. Four for $60.00 if he picks the colors. You're getting the neck and saddle as a "hen set". I bet there isn't a better deal anywhere!

I chose light dun, honey dun, barred dun, and brown.

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Tight Lines- Ken

[Variant]

Ken ,
You are right! I have been buying from Charlie for a number of years,the selection and quality are second to none.

Lou

[letumgo]

And now I need a barred dun...

Those are all very useful colors.

[FlyFisherMann1955]

Ray,

I'm glad I could help you discover your "need"!

Tight Lines- Ken

[Theroe]

And now I need a barred dun...

Those are all very useful colors.

Ray - did you not get a bag of the “doc fried soft hackle” last time we were together? That material is not only rare, it catches fish very well....... rumor has it that the fellow who had that material might be at the next gathering............

Hope to see you and Tim soon!

Dana