Stuff that floats

[Uncle Jesse]

Although I have been tying for several years, I consider myself a novice from the lack of knowledge I have fail to acquire. I see Snowshoe Rabbit Foot Fur, CDC and deer hair all used for wings on dry flies and emerger patterns. I have always taken it they were used because of a resistance to absorbing water and their natural buoyancy. I have CDC and deer hair in my materials, what are the advantages of one over the others?

[gerri]

Hi Uncle Jesse,
I am also one who just accepted the use of snowshoe rabbit fur because of its water resistance and buoyancy. I love Fran Bettar's patterns namely the Usual mainly because I catch fish with it. It is difficult (for me) to use because it is so slick to get tied in. Several years ago I made up my mind to tie that particular pattern repeatedly until I mastered control of the material. The flies still look like hell but they do float very well and they do catch fish but I am convinced that Mr. Bettar used the snowshoe rabbit because it was probably readily available to him.

[planettrout]

Uncle J.

These are my choices for those (and one more) winging materials in order of preference:

Snowshoe Hare -best floating hair material there be...

CDC - I like it's ability to trap air bubbles in the barbules and by using the tip below, followed by a dusting with desiccant, I keep 'em floating after sliming. I also use it on many sub-surface patterns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOPDH6E1zOY

Elk -Each individual hair holds more air than deer but it gets problematic with small patterns...

Deer - for smaller patterns when Elk just does not work...


PT/TB