Hackle Sizes

[mr_eejit]

Hello, this might be a daft question. When tying a dry fly like a parachute fly on a size 14 hook, should the hackle be the same size as the hackle you would use on the collar of a dry fly size 14? or do you need to use smaller hackles for the parachute fly?

[arkle]

Generally depends on the water you're fishing, it's about 1 1/2 x for hackle size on non-turbulent waters. So use a 10 for a 14, or a bit longer again for rough /fast water. Stiffness also plays a part, as does the number of turns. If it works, then great; if not alter it. There's no hard & fast rule on this one.