Old method of reverse hackling dry flies

Fly Patterns
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1

Nothing to do today, and was watching some youtube videos on fly tying. Watched Hans Weilenmann’s video on the reverse hackling method again. This is an old technique and I have used it on occasion, but usually go to the old habit of wrapping the hackle the more traditional way.

Wonder who else uses the reverse hackling method on a regular basis for dries??

Hans’ video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRcN69BXIXo

2

I don’t tye a lot of dry flies, but I like that technique, thanks for sharing Byron. Merry Christmas.

3

I use it on nearly all my soft hackle wet flies and flymph’s. Probably about 50/50 on dry patterns that are not parachute or para-post tye down emerger type flies.

4

I feel like it makes a lot of sense, but honestly never have tried it. Will have to give it a shot. I like that it adds wraps through the hackle and removes bulk from the head of the fly.

5

Thanks for posting. I use that method on my flymphs, but for some reason, I’ve never tried it on dry flies. It’s a very neat way to tie the hackle.

6

On dry flies I have used it in one stage of a double hackle, hackling back with the first, then forward with the second hackle. The only patterns I use it for now is a Spruce Moth pattern, and midge variants, where I have no wing. It’s a viable technique though, no reason to “not” use it either way on dries that are not winged.

7

Byron,

chuckle
I do use the technique - often :cool:

Cheers,
Hans W

8

And on winged flies, I presume…

9

I have done it that way for years. Makes for a rugged fly with little bulk.

Jerry

10

It can be used on winged flies, But I don’t prefer it. :slight_smile:

11

As I mentioned, I usually hackle flies the “traditional” way, sort of out of habit. Curious as to Why you don’t prefer it?

I took your comment: “…no reason to ‘not’ use it on dries THAT ARE NOT WINGED”. (Emphasis added) as having to do with wings?

12

I much prefer a standard dry, forward hackled collar with wings because I don’t like bringing the thread up through everything since most of my winged patterns have a slightly deeper collar. I do use it for spiders, variants and wingless midge dries, where it’s a more shallow collar by design.

13

Thanks for posting. Looks very clean and dead simple. I will be trying this soon.