Lady Amherst

[jacob]

Can anyone explain the difference between lady Amherst pheasant tails and regular ole pheasant tails? Simple question I can't find on the Google machine...

 

[PennKev]

Amherst have very distinct black markings over a light background and can be dyed many different bold, bright colors. Ring neck pheasants are brown with dark, wide uniform barring.

I already knew the difference but Google worked for me. A quick search turned up many clear images of the two.

If you are asking about application, the dyed Amherst are often used as accents in the collars/hackles of steelhead and salmon flies while ringneck is often used for bodies and tails on trout flies. However, you can use them whatever way you want. You're the boss.

 

[nfrechet]

from the google machine....

lady amherst

ringneck pheasant

 

[jacob]

Thanks! Yea I could get photos of each but couldn't find a good explanation. I appreciate it!

 

[eunanhendron]

amherst fibers are also great wrapped as bodies - just like a pheasant tail nymph with ringneck fibers. If you dye them up (or buy them dyed) you add instant attraction to your nymph.

 

[bigslackwater]

The amhert tail fibers can be used in streamers tied to the shenk like you might use flashing. The fibers resemble a guinnea (speckled) but are much longer and thicker.

This is my new favorite streamer pattern that uses Amherst >>

hoh bo spey

 

[CLSports]

Yup. that is a nice spey fly and basically what I tie as well, but not with Amherst feathers. Too expensive just to add some accents to that fly especially if you buy several colors. I use very thin barred rubber strips or Ostrich Herl instead.

 

[SteveG]

I like how that looks on the spey fly.

Golden pheasant also makes nice bodies.