Hackle Color?

The majority of my tying are nymphs, but want to start getting into dries. I plan on ordering some grade 3 capes from Collins, but want some suggestions on colors. I was thinking grizzly, brown, medium dun, and light ginger would be a good start. What do you think of these as a basic color selection for a majority of patterns? I mainly fish western Pennsylvania. In addition, Collins sells barred colors. Would you recommend going with the standard color or possibly a barred dun and ginger instead? Thanks.


Ron

Ron,

Since you're just getting into dries, the first 4 colors/shades you mentioned would probably be a good bet to cover a lot of the bugs you'll see. Having said that, I love barred gingers, duns, creams (I have a Collins barred cream that looks like a washed-out cree) and use them for a lot of my dries.

Regards,
Scott

Ron,

Echoing what Scott said in every regard. Charlie's barred shades are excellent. Charlie, who I've known for over 25 years, always told me that the barring gave the fly a look of movement. It does to us but the fish are the final arbitrator and they seem to like flies with barring.

Allan

I have three of his dark rusty duns, great color with it's barring. The colors you have chosen are great. I have others but they are a fav.