Hello, I am just joined and dont know whether this has been discussed. Could someone advise me what to use for the head hackle of an Octopus or a Gorgeous George? Want to tie up a few over the next month as I am on semester leave and dont start teaching until February. Happy new Year!

According to Patsy Deerys Irish Mayflies:

Melvin Octopus:

Tag :Two turns of flat or holograph gold tinsel.
Tail : Tuft of Globrite yellow no. 11.
Body : Golden Olive seal's fur or sub.
Rib : Fine oval gold tinsel or wire.
Body hackles : Paired cock hackles green olive and golden olive.
Head hackle : Yellow rump feather from golden pheasant.

Gorgeous George:

Silk :Orange.
Tail :Fluorescent yellow wool.
Tag :Globrite no 4.
Body :Golden yellow seal's fur.
Rib :Oval glod tinsel.
Body hackle :Yellow olive.
Legs :Four pairs knotted pheasant tail fibres dyed hot orange.
Head hackle :Medium olive.
False hackle : Guinea fowl, dyed orange.
Eyes :Jungle cock.

Good luck,

Simon.

Beat me to it Simon.

All sorts of colurs are available, you get a few shades from the dyed skins from Lakeland. Black Octopuss being a good variant for me in the past.

Keep A'Howld
GC

Thank you all. Am very grateful.

Another useful hackle on a GG for bright days is an Orkney Peach Guinea Fowl hackle

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Come when the leaves come,angle with me,Come when the bees hum,crossing the lea,Come to discover the angling delights,of the Melvin with me.