Can you ID this material?

Well looking at a Rainy’s grand hopper (a favorite to buy), I had always wondered what the wing casing was on it. It has a feather back feel, but underneath it is smooth, like coated in some kind of lacquer.


Looks to me like a feather (could be of any origin) lacquered on one side. Keeps the feather from splitting. I do this for turkey feathers and para-hoppers. Lacquer the feather, and cut to shape – presto!

Hi Panfisha,

I did a quick search on Google and came up with this link that’s a how to on tieing it. The author states that he uses Thin skin or a similar material. Hope this is of some help.

http://www.outsidebozeman.com/magazine.php?action=fullArticle&articleID=182

Regards,

           Mark

I tie a very similar hopper.

I use several materials for the overwing.

Body feathers (partridge or pheasant, mostly) ‘coated’ or stabilized with a flexible coating like Softex or Flexament.

Silk flower petals/leaves, also ‘stabilized’ (great colors, light weight, very sturdy).

Thin Skin (not my favorite, but easy to use).

And, colored duct tape (indestructable, you can use markers on it for added realism, and it’s quick and simple to use).

All work for the same fly, just depends on the ‘look’ you are after. I really prefer the first two, but sometimes you get in a hurry and don’t want to spend the time coating the natural materials…

Another option to avoid the ‘coating time’ on the feathers is to ‘sandwich’ the feathers between clear packing tape. Works quite well and was more durable on the water than I’d expected…

Buddy