Soft Hackle Flies

Starling works well for the smaller soft hackles. I have also used India hen feathers. There are also different varieties of partridge, like Red grouse. and quail the smaller feathers have been really good for soft hackles.

Bill

I tie and fish a lot of soft hackles. I keep the body pretty simple, normally just a thread body. Recently I have moved away from partridge and have gone to CDC (Coq De Conard) and CDL (Coq De Leon). I first thought these materials would matte together. But it is just the opposite both demonstrate a lot of leggy movement. Also, the CDL is pretty darn tuff stuff and I find the barring attractive.

Tim

• This reply was modified 7 years ago by Tim McCoy.

Tim, thanks for the ideas. How do you tie in these materials? Do you wrap the CDC as you would a grouse feather? Are there any videos showing how to use these materials on soft hackles?

Bill

Bill, I am sorry about taking so much time to get back to you. Just returned from Cancun for my daughters birthday bash. CDL is pretty much wrapped as partridge, perhaps fewer wraps. As luck would have it Tim Flaglar, Midcurrent, ties, The Carey Special, using CDL on todays post. Go to that sight and see how easy CDL is to work with.

Tim

Thank’s Tim. I will check it out and will give it a try.

Bill