If you tie your own soft hackles, you’ll eventually start running out of small feathers. That’s a pain because skins aren’t cheap. But, all is not lost, for here is a very helpful Tim Flagler video on using larger feathers. It’s a very cool fly-tying trick, but would you expect anything less from Tim?
Soft hackles took more than their fair share of fish last Saturday. I fished the Farmington amidst the high water and found a decent number of browns and ‘bows. No show stoppers, and a 14″ clean-looking and hard-fighting brown was the best of the bunch.
Although the permanent TMA had been stocked a few days prior, junk flies didn’t work for me. The fish wanted the natural stuff. And, for that, I was grateful, leading to some celebratory New England IPA.
Looks like flows are staying high for a while. Anyone hitting the rivers this weekend?
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Excellent video tip! I tie Partridge & Orange down to #20 for the Swift R. and this will help. Thanks. By the way, I caught a 20″ laker in the Y-Pool last week on a #14 Partridge & Pheasant Tail soft hackle on the swing.
Awesome! Amazed that you found casting room!
While not the best roll caster on the river, I’ve gotten a lot of practice this winter/spring anh have improved a lot. I can now roll close to 40”. Where there is a will….
Well-played, my friend.
Interesting tip. I too had success fishing wets at the Farmington even though no hatches were going on. Soft hackle Hendrickson top dropper and Wet/Emerger Hendrickson on the point. Guess the fish remembered Hendricksons!
Such a fun way to fish!
I think you are too humble, any wild brown is a show stopper. Way to go! Also, thanks for sharing that tip. Tim Flagler never ceases to amaze
Thank you!
One of Tim’s best tips, imo!
Agreed. He is very insightful.
Great technique I really struggle with the tiny feathers for size 20 and 22.
Also I really like Tim’s calm and reasonable voice as he goes through the instructions. Much different than my angry, obscenity laden tirade as I break another tiny bit of Hungarian Partridge fluff.
LOL!