Soft Hackle Flies require a feather from a hen...

The hackle found in a Hobby Store, are for the most part dyed, and if you use the hackle of a fly pattern the dye will become washed out...

You do not need that many colors of hen hackle for dressing soft hackle fly patterns, so I suggest getting the good stuff from a fly shop that sells brand name hen hackle capes...

~Parnelli~