Description
In this video, I thought I would share some of the capes, saddles and hackles I like to use when tying Salmon and Steelhead flies, following a question I was recently asked about whether I prefer cock or hen feathers for my patterns.
Over the many years I have been tying flies, I have used a wide variety of feathers, from traditional Chinese and Indian cock necks to the modern genetic capes and saddles available today.
Chinese cock necks have always been a favourite of mine, going right back to when I first started tying. I used them for both Trout and Salmon flies, whether tying dry flies, wet flies or traditional Salmon patterns. Indian cock necks were another popular choice, and both still have a place in my fly tying today.
During my time working as a designer for fly tying companies, I also made good use of strung and schlappen hackles. These could save you quite a bit of money, as you could select different feather sizes to suit the standard Salmon flies you were tying, as well as the longer, softer hackles needed for traditional Spey and Steelhead patterns.
I also use Chinese and Indian hen necks, although probably not as often as the cock capes. Hen hackles have their own qualities, particularly when you want a softer, more mobile hackle that moves naturally in the water.
With the development of modern genetic hackles, we now have even more choice, with some excellent capes and saddles available. One of my personal favourites is the Whiting Brahma Badger neck, and I also like some of their saddles. These offer beautiful markings and lovely feather qualities that work especially well in many Salmon and Steelhead patterns.
For me, it has never been about using the most expensive feathers. It is about selecting the right hackle for the fly you are tying, whether that is a traditional pattern or a more modern design.
Hopefully, by sharing some of the feathers I use and the reasons behind my choices, this video will help you when selecting capes, saddles and hackles for your own fly tying.
As always, thank you for watching and for all your support over the years. I hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful.
All the very best,
Davie McPhail
0:00 Introduction to fly tying
1:17 Using Chinese cock necks
5:47 Genetic necks and saddles
9:26 Working with Schlappen
12:25 Saddles and creative blending
15:40 Dyeing techniques and conclusion