NC Hackle

[singlespeyuk]

Following on from my other post regarding softbhackle/north country spiders, i was wondering what is the best hackle material, or to be more specific which breed of bird is best to use.

i am sure i have read somewhere that game birds and traditionally used?

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards

[wingman]

The main ones you'd need would be english partridge (hen), woodcock wings, waterhen wings or coot wings would do instead, snipe skin or snipe wings, grouse wings, hen pheasant wings, jackdaw scalp. See Steve at Cookshill flytying for most of the wings/skins, he'll put you right as he has most of the things needed for tying spiders. Stick to hen hackles and only use cock hackles for a few spiders like stewarts black spider for instance.

[singlespeyuk]

Thanks for the help.

Kind Regards

[wobbly face]

The names of the patterns are a give away.
Snipe and purple, Partridge and orange, Waterhen boa, Woodcock and red, Grouse and yellow, Quail and claret.
You may also need plover, it depends on how much tying etc you want to do. Just have some good black hen hackles to start with.

[singlespeyuk]

Should have realised the obvious. Sorry for the daft question.

Kind Regards

[wobbly face]

If you want a decent book for spider patterns look for "A Guide To North Country Flies and How to Tie Them". By Mike Harding. You wont go far wrong with this book.

[singlespeyuk]

Thanks for the book advice.

Will have a look on amazon and order it.

Kind Regards