By the way, peacock herl bodies are as traditional as you can get with 'North Country Spiders'
see below.
Here are some options to using peacock herl
I thought I'd show some pix as well.
The Goat's Toe
This is a very popular fly in Ireland and Scotland.
In larger sizes for salmon and sea-run trout.
Smaller sizes as an attracter fly in loch (lough) fishing.
It is also a favourite tying fly of mine,
I have shown it a few times.
Knop Fly
herl
Hook: 14.
Thread: Black silk.
Hackle: A grey, speckled feather from a partridge breast.
Body: A dubbing of mole fur on black silk and ribbed with a single strand of peacock herl.
" Again this fly is included out of historical interest for I cannot guess the natural insect originally imitated by it. The word ?knop? is a Lancashire word for ?knob? but was also used to refer to the bud of a flower."
From Roger Fogg's 'A Handbook of North Country Trout Flies'.
Alpine Spiders
If you are a Tenkara fan, have a look through these fifty year old
flies, quite a few have peacock herl bodies.
http://donaldnicolson.webplus.net/page43.html
p.s. I tied a bunch of 'Goat's Toes' for a swap on FAOL a few years back,
has anyone tried them?, a good Steelhead fly i'd have thought.
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