I think this is an interesting pattern. Basically an X-Caddis with hackle/stacker over the thorax area…
Huh. Never seen that one before. Fish a pattern that is a similar idea, but the hackle is behind the wing, so more like an EHC than a E/C Caddis. Interesting idea.
Great looking fly!
E/C “Cutter” Caddis http://www.flyline.com/fly_patterns/dry_flies/ec_caddis/ works very well around here, but I’ve never seen a hackle stacker version.
Does the hackle stacker work better than parachutes for some hatches?
I don’t tie any HS, but maybe need to add it to my winter projects.
I’d fish it. I like “buggy” looking flies.
Bruce, I love hackle stackers. Once you get the hang of it, they’re not that difficult to tie, and they are fine fish catchers.
Chuck
Bruce,
It would be very difficult to objectively compare a parachute with a hackle/stacker (AKA Paraloop), in my opinion. I have had good luck with little mayfly versions, but haven’t tried to conduct an objective comparison.
I think they both work well.
You’re right. I know, I know. It’s close to impossible to come up with anything definitive comparing two different fly designs.
…, but I love to hear the subjective observations of the many fine fisherman in this forum. I enjoy the shared discussion, and we can each come to our own conclusions.
Thanks for sharing that pattern and starting the discussion!
OK - definitely on my list of things to learn this winter.
Bruce,
I did an article on the technique a while ago. Maybe it’s useful. You can find it here: http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/marts-peccary-paraloop-emerger
Best,
Mart
Thanks Martin! Very detailed and helpful.
How do you hold the very thin post? Gallows or finger?
Bruce,
I use a jvice “gallon was tool”. Will post a photo.
This is just a steel “wire”, but works perfectly. You just loop a tight thread of your tying thread over the steel wire and wrap it at the base before tying your hackling feather at the base.
Learn to hold the loop in your off hand. No need for a gallows tool which will only slow you down. Find a copy of Bill Quigley’s DVD to see the method demonstrated, although there may be some on youtube as well.
Whatfly,
It, like most/all tying techniques can be, and are done without tools. Yet, the “tools” are just that…tools to make your tying easier…in my opinion.
I like my little tool because it is made of high tensile steel and keeps the thread loop VERY tight while wrapping the hackle up the loop and back down the loop.
I would highly recommend this video to see how nice the tool makes the hackle wrapping.
Sorry Byron, you missed my point. The tool is unnecessary, it does not make tying any easier, and in fact slows you down considerably. Of course its utility varies a bit depending on the post material (e.g. marginally more useful with Superfloss or the like), but a hackle stacker uses mono-filament, and a gallows tool has no advantage in such a case.
whatfly, I just stick an off-hand finger into the loop while I wrap the hackle. Fast and easy.
Chuck
I use a gallows. Actually my gallows is a piece of bungee cord with two hooks snelled onto it. One of the hooks attached to my tying lamp and the other holds up the loop of (doubled) poly yarn
Sorry Whatfly,
I, and Jay Smitt in the video, and I’m sure many more use a thread post to tie Paraloops.
Especially in smaller sized flies, I believe using a thread loop helps remove bulk.
Thanks everyone!
As always in fly tying, there’s more than one way to get it done. I’ll try all the methods, will have to jury rig a gallows.
Simplicity of tying thread around finger appeals to me, but I like good tools.
Very true, Bruce!
Hackle stackers are cool, but I have seen little or no difference between them and a standard hackle that’s trimmed flush underneath, and the latter is MUCH easier to tie, particularly if you are including a wing.