This article discusses the history of hackle, including Catskill breeds and should help you decide which brands to investigate.
[url=http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/sshackle/:be84a]http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/sshackle/[/url:be84a]

"...The most important genetic work of the early period of hackle raising in the United States came from Catskill fly tier Harry Darbee, who produced the best available stock of the day...Darbee was well known for his generosity and sent eggs to enthusiasts around the country. One recipient, Minnesota lawyer Andy Miner, received stock from both Chip Stauffer...and Darbee..."

"...In 1997, Whiting Farms purchased Ted Hebert's stock, a breed Dr. Whiting feels has more development potential than Hoffman and will provide the greatest genetic advancements in the coming years. Whiting is keeping this bloodline "pure" and selling it as Hebert-Miner Dry Fly Hackle. While Whiting Dry Fly Hackle is derived from the Hoffman bloodline, this product connects Whiting with the Catskill bloodlines of Darbee and Miner."

"...Collins feels that his hearty strain of mountain-bred bird is not only truer to the backyard breeders of the Catskill era,..."

[This message has been edited by classicflytyer (edited 05 May 2005).]