Need help, Pukeko Style

[fivedials]

Hello all,

From my last tying inquiry I got some great ideas, thank you JeffHamm. I was doing a bit of research and reading up on the fly I wanted to tie; but alas I'm having a technique issue.

The Pukeko style of fly has two to three feathers laid flat on top of the fly. In some patterns the feathers of choice are staggered progressively up to the eye, in some all are tied in as one. Though it is a wet fly pattern. Laying the feathers on top is supposed to keep the fly on the surface during the drift. As you start to strip it in this style of fly will then submerge and act as a streamer for a period of time. Then when fished on the bottom it is to resemble a cray fish.

Now for my quandry. I am having issues keeping the featers flat on top. I've tried tying them in one at a time and two at a time. I'm using size 8 hooks which only calls for 2 feathers. The bottom feather is laying fine. It is the top feather that is twisting and splaying.

Any and all suggestion, or proper techinque to tie, will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

[JeffHamm]

Hi Jim,

I usually tie in two feathers at once at the head. Strip the fluff, lay the feathers, do two loose wraps around the stripped steams, then holding the feathers on top, slowly pull them forward and lift the stem while doing so to pull the feather into the loops of thread (the upward direction helps push the wraps back towards the body). This sets the feathers into place, then do some tighter wraps to secure. In the end though, it just takes practice as it's a motor skill and you just have to do it to improve. You'll get there though.

- Jeff

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Use smooth jawed pliers to flatten the feather stem at the tie in point. Make sure you aren't trying to balance the feather on a bare hook. A little thread base will help. That might help some.

REE

[chris from canada]

You can also try the Carrie S. style of feather control;

Glue all you feather together first, and then put them on your hook.

Rons suggestion works great!

Have a great day,
chris

[fivedials]

Again the members of FAOL come to the rescue. I've been involved in many different activities over my lifetime, and frankly I'm amazed at how readily flyfishers are willing to come to the aid of others whether they are fishers or not. Ohiotuber may have hit the nail on the head, "Who knows, maybe it's in our genes to be outgoing and helpfull."

Chris:
Under the why didn't I think of that first...

Ron:
Just looked at my needlenose pliers, they're serrated, no wonder that technique wasn't working.

Jeff:
I was trying that. But in reading your post realized I wasn't lifting to set the loops. I was just pulling flat or in a downward direction.

Thinking about it I will need to 'master' all your suggestions.
Back to the vise (vice)

Jim

[jmeyerc]

This good info about tying these wings in, thanks guys - have saved it for later use.

Jeanne