Yarn Wing Substitution

[Byron haugh]

Using deer hair as a substitute for yarn in Gary Borger's "Yarn Wing Dun" fly.

[Ray Kunz]

We've been using bleached coastal deer hair for years. I think yarn materials will be too soft and flexible Also, hair wings will dry out more quickly on false casting.

[Byron haugh]

Ray,
Borger has had good success with his pattern.
Do you hackle yours in the X fashion?

[NJTroutbum]

I think the yarn has different properties when on the film. Yarn tends to spread and move in the film more and give a semblance of life. However, it does float well when treated, but once slimed up by a fish its tough to both dry and float again. I lean more towards the bleached elk and deer tips, but aside from demonstrating a wing impression hair offers little movement. All of them work quite well though in my opinion.

[Byron haugh]

Ray & Ralph,
Why bleached elk/deer?
Doesn't it depend on the mayfly being imitated?

[NJTroutbum]

Yes, occasionally a darker wing over a particular hatch will do better. But for the most part my Caddis patterns are light wing versions. They are easier to see, and seem to bring fish up equally as well on most hatches.

Bleached or Ginger. But seldom darker than Ginger.