Feathers from a brace of Mallard

[cb]

I was given a mixed brace of Mallard at the weekend and wondered what feathers are worth keeping for trout flies? Obviously the blue drake wing feathers but after that I dont really know where best to take them from.

Thanks!

Colin

PS. Looking foward to eating these!

[Wee Jimmy]

Keep the wings for the primary,secondary quills,white satins,blues.Obviously the silver and bronze flank from the drake.CDC as well.

[cb]

Originally Posted by Wee Jimmy

Keep the wings for the primary,secondary quills,white satins,blues.Obviously the silver and bronze flank from the drake.CDC as well.

Thanks for that - the silver and bronze seem very pale? I guess those bought are dyed.

I dont fancy plucking the CDC much!

[harveyangling]

Originally Posted by cb

Thanks for that - the silver and bronze seem very pale? I guess those bought are dyed.

I dont fancy plucking the CDC much!

It's probably a young duck.

[Ephemerella]

Originally Posted by harveyangling

It's probably a young duck.

Or a 'picker up' kept the best bronze flank feathers, there are only 3 pairs (small, med + large) per drake - I know I used to keep 'em - at this time of year a mallard's plumage is at its best.

[stevekale]

Originally Posted by cb

I dont fancy plucking the CDC much!

Why not? It's on the top. The ar@ehole is on the bottom. This may help:

http://willfishforwork.com/2010/11/0...s-fly-part-ii/