 Many of the old Scottish Spey
and Dee type flies called for materials that are now illegal under numerous state,
federal, and international laws. Other materials are available, but so expensive that
they're not practical to use on fishing flies. As ethical tyers and anglers, we need
substitutes that will maintain the character of the old flies, not break any laws, and not
require a second mortgage to buy. Here's a little trick to imitating heron belly hackles.
The natural feather has a white center, with black tips on each flue. Dying the feather
leaves the tips black, and the center white part takes the color. Using a black permanent
marker pen to stain the tips of a colored marabou feather creates a very natural looking
imitation of heron hackle. The solvents in the ink burn the excess fuzz from the flue, and
make it look very much like the real thing. The feather will get matted, so allow it to
dry, and then brush it out with a piece of Velcro. Using colors other than black on the
tips will give some "hot" combinations for steelhead flies. Try this variation on the old PNW
standard: |