Patterns using Heron

[junco]

Are there any tyings using Heron in their makeup? Just been given a few old feathers in a tin. They look very mobile, bit like Grey Partridge, but softer.
I'd be interested in any old patterns anyone has.

[paddy5]

The herl is much sought after iron blue duns come to mind ,I'd be confident that there's a NC spider that uses the hackle as they tend to use of the feathers of indigenous birds ,are the hackles a bit long though? spey hackles used on classic salmon flies were from the heron .
Regards PJ

[boorod]

In there natural colour or dyed they are used for bodies ie kites imperial or olives etc . B

[coasty]

KItes Imperial bodies use fibres from the wing primaries... Cracking flies


Andy



Becks and Brown Trout

[richardw]

The best feathers for the longest herls to use when making Kite's Imperials are the hackle feathers. But you can use the wing feathers too and wings will give you darker herls for Iron Blue Dun bodies.

richard

[junco]

Thanks for the info all. Feathers are natural colours. Might try some Kite's when my fingers stop feeling like feet! Bit rusty after 15 years but enjoying tying once again.