I’ve been tying some smaller PT nymphs and was wondering if a peacock dubbing could be used in place of the ostrich herl. I’m pretty sure it could, but wouldn’t it need to be a fine diameter dubbing? If so, does something like a superfine dubbing come in a peacock color.
Thanks,
Greg
Look for a feather duster and you will have very fine herl, much finer than you can get peacock. I think that it could be beautiful and a great substitute.
Greg,
I thought the standard thorax on the American (Troth) PT nymph (as opposed to the Frank Sawyer version) was peacock herl, not ostrich.
BUT - if you’re looking for a magic, very secret thorax material, try a PMD dubbing or natural, light colored hare’s ear. But don’t tell anyone about it - it’s a killer dressing!
Bill
I have seen and used an infinite variety of dubbings for a PT nymph thorax. Seal’s fur,SLF (excellent), mole (for small nymphs), Hare’s Lug (Ear), 'possum (another good one) and any other dubbing natural or man made fibre.
Give them all a try, the larger nymphs with a garish thorax can work on stillwaters, the smaller with just a little touch of fluo mix for stream fishing. The mole, 'possum and H.E. are particularly good on small nymphs, but try anythying and everything.
Littlebrook,
Thanks for the insight and clarification. I’m a bit embarassed saying I’ve used ostrich herl :oops: , I’ve always used peacock. My bad. You have also shared a couple of great ideas for dubbing colors. Thanks.
Donald, you have offered some fantastic alternatives as well.
Sometimes I think I stay inside “the box” too often when tying nymphs. I have never thought of using anything different than peacock herl or a peacock herl dubbing. Thank you all for sharing your insights.
There is nothing wrong with an ostrich herl thorax on a PT nymph. Here are a couple of possibilities
I forgot to give the hook size of the copper bead PTN,
but the copper bead was the smallest, about 18 hook I think.
I used PT hen on them, I like it better for very small nymphs, but try both.
I dont think the is anything cast in stone that says you cant substitute one material for another.
You might want to try bright dubbing to act as a ‘hot spot’
or even a glass bead…
I just used muskrat to dub a hare’s ear nymph last night, since I don’t have a hare’s mask. Looks like the one in the book, to me. One thing I’ve taken from Al Campbell’s lessons on this website is don’t be afraid to try other/new materials. It’s nice to tie the classics with all the proper materials, but in some cases you just don’t have that option.
There are no rules for tying flys…
I have used red ostrich herl for the thorax on some PTN and the bluegills really seems to like that.
Rick
I hope I’m not breaking any rule of the board.
Umpqua sells Arizona Synthetic peacock dubbing. It comes in 4 colors, Pheasant Tail,Light,Natural,and Bronze. It’s a synthetic probably antron blended with rabbit.Hope that helps.
Tom