Wrapping hackle behind wings

[1hook]

Is there a benefit to having more or fewer hackle wraps behind the wing on drys as opposed to in front of it? I normally have more wraps in front than behind, not sure if thats right or not, or wether it even matters.

 

[littlelehigh]

The way your doing it is correct per a few reference books I have read when first starting out. I believe 2 wraps behind the wing and 3 wraps in front is the general rule.

 

[quillfly]

adams is 2 behind 3 in front for each feather or 4 and 6 for one color normally i go 3 behind and 4-5 in front but that all depends on the quality of the hackle

 

[dryflyguy]

It kinda depends on how close the wings end up being tied in behind the eye. If they wind up closer to it than I really want, I'll put more wraps behind the wing. You don't want to crowd the eye.

Typically, I try to place my wings about one third of the shank length behind the eye. Then I tie 1-2 wraps behind the wing, and 3-4 wraps in front. With less wraps on smaller flys.