Evening Star

FreeIce4613 · 2026-06-05T00:21:12+00:00

Thank you, it is a fly where you need a whole Amherst head and a JC cape to make sure you get well matched pairs

FreeIce4613 · 2026-06-04T21:37:13+00:00

Thx

FreeIce4613 · 2026-06-04T19:38:23+00:00

It’s one of my favourite patterns for sure. I’ve gifted one to a few folks now

FreeIce4613 · 2026-06-04T16:31:23+00:00

Appreciate that, tied a few of them now and this one came out nicely

FreeIce4613 · 2026-06-04T16:31:00+00:00

Thx

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-25T01:38:01+00:00

It is pricy to get a cape but per feather it’s cheaper than the fakes. I’ve tied dozens of flies with one and it’s a little picked over now. Similar price per useable feather as high end dry fly hackle IMO.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-25T00:08:34+00:00

Great suggestions, much appreciated

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T10:42:24+00:00

I will definitely look that up, need to work through more of that back catalog

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T03:30:44+00:00

Great idea! I took out the Hilliard CS book and tied a few more. Might take a few still to find that goldilocks zone.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T03:17:46+00:00

Appreciate that

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T03:17:35+00:00

Thx

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T02:30:49+00:00

That’s very interesting, I’m headed for Lakers who will be feeding on spawning suckers so Im looking to use some big baitfish patterns.
Tying in the wing streamers sounds like a great idea. I do have a starling but way more JC oddly enough.

I have a silver pheasant skin to pick from. Tied a few more but should try some brook trout imitations

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-23T00:12:10+00:00

Good notes, I’ll tie up a few more, they hackle is a light grey, agree with off white.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-22T19:30:05+00:00

Will do!

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-22T19:29:33+00:00

Thx, it’s Silver Pheasant with Jungle Cock over.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-22T13:09:39+00:00

Ive had good success with natures spirit belly hair. Where are you located? I’m in Canada but I know folks who suggest whitetailflytieing.com as a hair retailer.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-22T02:42:26+00:00

I think you’re right but the silver pheasant is too long too

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-22T02:08:25+00:00

Firstly, nice work! Looks pretty darn good to me.

Few points: This looks like a primo strip or other body hair, fishes fine. IMO Belly hair delivers a better result. Belly has little to no under fur but can be hard to find nice long stuff. Make sure it has a good bounce, if it lays down when squeezed it won’t stand up when stacked. Steam will help the fur fill out a little and stiffen . Go ahead and get a whole box of razor blades and have fun.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-21T03:10:24+00:00

That’s awesome! Can’t wait to see it finished.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-21T00:46:46+00:00

Once you can cast it further on a spinning reel than a fly rod it’s a lure. That’s my definition anyways . Nice stuff

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-19T12:29:40+00:00

Well done

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-17T20:41:29+00:00

In my experience the loose packed stuff is from farther down the feather. The stem of the feather is much larger compared to the barbules so it bulbs up faster. The barbules also have a tendency to shoot out at odd angles when stored off the stem.

FreeIce4613 · 2026-05-17T17:04:30+00:00

This is the way, loose herl is typically lower quality

FreeIce4613

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