Dry fly tails

[Ray Kunz]

With all the concern about materials for these tails including paint brush filaments to mink tail fibers why don't we hear much about bleached moose body. I think it is quite good. Why is there such an omission?

[Gandolf]

Hi Ray,

I have used moose for tailing, and also have bleached moose, but had not thought about using the bleached moose for tailing. Now that you have suggested it, I may try it. I like moose for tailing if the fly is fairly dark, but not for anything but dark flies. Bleached moose has such a great color that it should be applicable for many flies.

Your idea is really good, in my humble opinion. I may bleach a little more moose if I can't find the moose I bleached in the past, and give it a try. I may even consider dying some of the bleached material colors like brown so as to have more options with the moose.

Very good idea!

Thanks and regards,

Gandolf

[Allan]

Have no idea about bleached moose for tailing because I've not used it. Not even sure I've seen it. One material I have used is very fine peccary(javalina) hair. Just something worth considering if you can get some. It's called for on a few older but excellent patterns. I also like it more than microfibbets on comparaduns and spinners.

[ScottP]

Ray,

I got a great piece of bleached moose a few years ago and use it extensively for tails on a lot of attractor dries (sorry, doesn't show well here):




Regards,
Scott

[Fly Tyer]

Moose is one of my favorite tailing materials. I would think bleached would be incredible for light flies.