Duck Fluff Softhackle SBS

[ScottP]

Another generic softhackle, using the mallard flank fluff as thorax and head. Change body components, add tail to suit your needs.

hook - Mustad 3399A #12
thread - MFC 8/0 Light Brown
abdomen - opal tinsel medium (colored with tan sharpie)
thorax/head - mallard flank fluff dyed woodduck
hackle - partridge dyed tan

Part 1

mash barb, start thread 1 eye width back from eye; tie in tinsel (you could tie in the hackle, but it kinda gets in the way when wrapping the tinsel)




wrap tinsel to bend and back




prep partridge; tie in by tip (switched light source setting on camera to get better focus but introduced greenish cast in the process; may have to re-shoot when we get home)







trim tips of the fluff on one side of a mallard flank feather; insert in clip and cut away from quill

[ScottP]

Part 2

unwind thread to remove any twist; split with needle, insert clip, trap fluff in thread, release from clip, spin bobbin to create chenille-ish thing










wrap thorax up to hackle (take a temporary wrap past hackle)




wrap hackle, sweeping fibers back




unwind the temporary wrap with the chenille, then complete head, haf hitch x 2, SHHAN (switched back to old light source setting)








Regards,
Scott

[herefishy]

You must not ever have any trash! Nice use for that throwaway stuff.

[Curtis Fry]

Very nice Scott! Looks like you upgraded some lighting there...

[Joe Billingsley]

Beautiful, Scott! How did you get the tan partridge? Did you dye it yourself?

Joe

[newbee]

That is a beautiful fly and I am going to have to get one of them clip things. Thanks for sharing.