hackles

[flynoob]

I'm new to fly tying and this is probably a really dumb question so be gentle. What kind of feathers do I need to buy to tie prince nymphs, copper johns etc. Are they saddle hackles, dry fly hackles?

Thanks

 

[jayL]

Hen hackle (or cheap imported rooster) for subsurface and wets. Genetic rooster for dries.

http://www.mwflytying.com/materials/feathers.html

Stiffness and "webbiness", or how easily the individual fibers separate, are the key to differentiating dry and subsurface hackles.

 

[blueheron]

Are you talking about the tail feathers on a prince? They are goose biots which are individual barbules of a goose feather.

 

[flynoob]

No, I saw a recipe that called for the hackle near the eye of the hook. Not the goose/turkey biots

 

[blueheron]

The feathers used for legs on a nymph are hen or grouse or partridge and are soft and flexible