I like fine wire down-eyed dry fly hooks, but you might prefer to use a medium wire hook if you are likely to get among bigger fish. I'm quite taken with the Varivas 2120 Wave Barbless at the moment:



The Mustad R50 is also a good hook with a nice sensible wire. There are plenty of others you might find suitable: personal preference comes into it quite a bit.

Hen hackle wise, I'd have a look at the Whiting Hebert Miner necks (they do a very nice dark dun, among others) and the Whiting Brahma hen saddles.

I like Grey Partridge back feathers, Woodcock wings and Red Grouse body plumage. I wouldn't get too hung up on the many different plain grey feathers used for a lot of "spiders": they're often much of a muchness.

And black never goes out of fashion.


.D.