Quote Originally Posted by Grubb View Post
I don't know alot about this, but it looks like to me the older flies are tyed with softer hackle, like maybe hen as aposed to male hack. I'm not sure, but I do remember reading alot about the older hackle not being of the same quality as hackle today. The softer hackle maybe making it easier to set the wings. Just a thought...
I was just thinking about the same thing looking at the bigger pix. I bet some hen feathers or something sold as a bass feather would be more flexible.

I like wet flies and use some hen feathers. They aren't so stiff.