Clipped hackles

[AndyBaird]

Have started to find clipped hackle patterns faster and simpler to tie than parachute hackles. Looking forward to fishing the thorax dun and AK Best's spent/adult caddis this season...



Hook: TMC 101 #22
Thread: Sheer 14/0 dun
Abdomen: Fly-rite, light tan
Wing: Partridge breast
Hackle: Whiting midge saddle



Hook: TMC 200R #22
Thread: Uni Trico 17/0
Tails: Coq de Lion
Abdomen: Fly-rite, pale olive
Thorax: Muskrat underfur, pine squirrel cheek, finely chopped Fly-rite antron
Wing: Turkey flat, grey
Hackle: Whiting midge saddle

[Danny S]

Fine ties Andy! I don't think I have seen a caddis pattern that small. #18 yes, but not a #22.

[scotfly]

Great stuff Andy. I've been a fan of the clipped hackle for a long time, quick and easy to tie.

The C & C Midge is one of my favourites.



HOOK - Partridge K14ST (Oliver Edwards Emerger)
THREAD – Olive Gudebrod 10/0
BODY – Any fine Polypropylene Dubbing (colour to suit ) I have used Olive here.
TAIL/WING/THORAX COVER – White Niche Siliconised Polypropylene Yarn
HACKLE – Grizzle Cock (slightly larger than normal and clipped underneath)

[AndyBaird]

I don't think I have seen a caddis pattern that small. #18 yes, but not a #22.

Thanks Danny - the naturals don't go much smaller than a #20 on our local streams, so the #22 may be a wasted exercise... and a #26 (below, on a TMC 100BL #26) is pushing things beyond a natural extreme... :D But it looks nice in the flybox, and tying small usually improves skills with a pattern when you return to larger sizes.



Cheers Dennis - I must tie up some of those midges, they're a great imitation.

Thanks again guys.
Andy

[Danny S]

One never knows, Andy. I doubt I would even hesitate at casting that #26 if they were sipping in a midge hatch.

[garethl]

Love those patterns Andy, bit 'big' for you though aren't they? :roll: ;)

Really cool ties man.

G

[trout-nut]

nice flies. I like those clipped hackles. Done a few myself over the years.

[palewatery]

Very nice.

I'm sure they'll take that little caddis whether it's smaller than the naturals or not just cos it looks damn tasty

[BrkTrt]

Love that caddis pattern.

Size 22 wow, tough on the eyes.


Thanks,


Brk Trt

[jmp]

Those flies are beautiful!

I haven't tied flies smaller than #22 so I've stuck with parachutes. I've always wondered how well those clipped hackle flies float. I'd be interested in tying some up because they seem faster to tie and look realistic, but I wonder if they work in water that's not super flat. What's your experience?

jp