Tiny black flies - what colour hackle?

[Spider]

Hi all

Just a quick question - if I want to imitate tiny black flies, size 20-26 in my winter fly tying. I'm thinking simple....just black thread and a turn or two of hackle.

Would i be better off using a black hackle or a grizzle for this type of fly?

Thanks

[Chris Reeves]

If you want a general pattern I'd go for Grizzle, I like the way it gives a mixed colour to the hackle, if you can get a good genuine cree that would look right too.

Cheers

[Spider]

I was kind of thinking same Chris, as I could use it for Griffiths too, my fav fly.

Any other opinions out there ?

[steve101]

Spider
I have a grizzle cape, I can stick a few feathers in the post for you if you want to try it out before buying one.

Steve

[Spider]

Thanks Steve, pm sent. Any other thoughts out there before i go for grizzle ahead of black?

[andy macbog]

Another vote for Grizzle!

Its recommended by von Klinken, for example, for his Klinkhammers because it offers a more diffuse and less opaque footprint than pure black. I also like the mix of black and white (or any colours/shades) because it provides a sense of movement as the trout's perspective on the fly changes.

If you get some permanent markers you can also create lots of other colours and effects with the grizzle.

Andy

[otter]

A few pattern's that u might consider - have taken some nice trout on them

1. Body: Black or Grey thread
Small CDC wing tied over eye , natural grey CDC
I tie these in 16's up to 22's on curved hooks, a few of the 18's and 20's I also tie on black hooks


2. Body: Black or natural grey CDC inserted in dubbing loop, wound up full body - Uni trico is handy for this. Trim to suit
optional Wing: a few white CDC fibres pointing to bend - can be useful for sighting.

18's to 22's

It fishes better than it looks and is easy to see on flatish water where u are most likely to be fishing it.

3. Body: Fine Hares ear / ears mask - tie up a few with dark and a few with light.
thorax: Hares ear with some guard hairs - apply touch of floatant to thorax guard hairs when fishing.
This can be a good un when they are being exceptionally fussy on flat glides / backwaters on a really calm day - on windy days there will be a lot of stuff in the backwaters etc so they will usually take a good variety of sizes and colours/shades.

4. Body: Thread, bring around bend
Rib: very very fine wire or mylar or other flash type
Hackle: black/ dark dun /grizzle, trimmed underneath or tied as paraloop
18's to 22's

VIP with any of these, lift into fish DO not strike. A good rule of thumb is start with an 18 and move to smaller if thats been refused. If you are fishing very slack water, an occasional twitch can help entice a fish, and even if fishing less slack water let the fly skate for a second or two before re-casting, when the trout are really sipping up the black stuf from the meniscus u will be surprised at how many trout at times will show a reflex grab as these minute offerings start to skate.

To my mind this can be the pinnacle of dry fly fishing on some rivers. The best of trout from the most awkward of places can test your mettle, patience and endurance - but get it right and after each trout you will wish for a Hamlet cigar

[beads,cork]

I go for grizzle myself if you can get a good cape a lot of **** around at the minute ,good post by otter his no 3 is one of fav on a 16

[BRUCE1]

Originally Posted by Spider

Hi all

Just a quick question - if I want to imitate tiny black flies, size 20-26 in my winter fly tying. I'm thinking simple....just black thread and a turn or two of hackle.

Would i be better off using a black hackle or a grizzle for this type of fly?

Thanks

Stewart Spider

http://www.fishingwithstyle.co.uk/YP...s%20spider.JPG