The Wet & Dry of Hackle

[NJTroutbum]

Wet Dry Hackle.jpg

After my video "Tying in Dry Fly Hackle Techniques", I was asked by a good number of individuals to further explain what I meant by "dry fly fashion" or "wet fly fashion".


This video will help to answer that question, and hopefully add positively to your tying. It explains the meaning of the two terms, and why they are important. And how these principles can allow you to tie both the patterns shown here with the same hackle and materials, simply by allowing for the natural properties of the feathers you are working with.

For the full video, click on the link below:

http://www.ralphsflybox.com/2016/04/...of-hackle.html

[Byron haugh]

Ralph,
Sort of along the same lines, these are some nymphs I got from George Grant tied with his woven hair hackle.

[NJTroutbum]

Really neat patterns!

[jcampbell]

Ralph,
Fine example in your video for the intended purpose. When tying a dry fly, I start with the dull side toward me or the toward front, but the hackle tends to reverse sides or twist as I wind the hackle. What cause this and how can I make sure the concave side stays to the front? I am using quality hackle.

[NJTroutbum]

Ralph,
Fine example in your video for the intended purpose. When tying a dry fly, I start with the dull side toward me or the toward front, but the hackle tends to reverse sides or twist as I wind the hackle. What cause this and how can I make sure the concave side stays to the front? I am using quality hackle.

What works for me is to place the hackle pliers perpendicular to the hackle. Not from the tip straight on. That avoids twisting most often, and if it does still begin to twist you can counter it easily.

Ralph

[jcampbell]

Thanks for the response. I have started doing what you mention and it does work better. Thanks.

[NJTroutbum]

You are very welcome.

[melk]

Thanks Charlie. Great description on the videos. I understand more now! Good to see that someone else benefits from the 90 degree hackle grab!
Mike