Clipped hackles

**AndyBaird** · 04-05-2010, 05:44 PM

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** · 04-05-2010, 06:05 PM

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

**scotfly** · 04-05-2010, 07:21 PM

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** · 04-06-2010, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Danny S

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** · 04-06-2010, 04:33 PM

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

**garethl** · 04-07-2010, 07:32 AM

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

Really cool ties man.

G

**trout-nut** · 04-07-2010, 08:05 PM

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

**palewatery** · 04-08-2010, 05:45 AM

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** · 04-15-2010, 11:03 AM

Love that caddis pattern.

Size 22 wow, tough on the eyes.

Thanks,

Brk Trt

**jmp** · 04-17-2010, 04:39 PM

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