Hackle Gauge for Sizing Soft Hackle Fly Patterns.

[Soft-hackle]

Hi All,
To my knowledge, hackle on the soft-hackle is a matter of preference, this goes for length and amount and SET of the hackle. As already said, traditionally tied North Country Flies are tied very sparse. European and English tiers tie them sparsely. American tiers have a tendency to use more hackle, however, some feathers with finer fibers might not look right unless more turns of hackle are applied. Likewise, some feathers only require a turn or so. Originally the North Country fly was dressed so the hackle stood almost perpendicular to the hook shank. Most were fished upstream, in the film. Modern variations are often tied with the hackle slightly swept back, and are fished wet using varying techniques. In my opinion, Mr. Nemes is only giving this information as a guide to help tiers get started.


Woodcock and Orange tied traditionally

Thanks for the guide, Steve

Mark