Materials to make Your Flies Shine!

In Animals and Birds, the group of feathers or hair found along the neck and back is referred to as the “Hackle1.”

The area of the bird or animal which stands erect during their flight or fight response is called the “Hackle2.”

In Roosters and some types of chickens, the “Hackle” consists of high quality, fine, long, brightly colored feathers3

In Fly Fishing, the “Hackle” is used as material to craft Fly Fishing lures. Hackles can range in Quality and Cost, based upon the Color, (Brightness, Patterns, Uniformity), Length, Width, Number of Fibers/Barbs per Feather (Higher Count = Better Quality), Number of Feathers, the number of flies achievable per feather, For Fly Tying, “Hackle” is divided into two (2) categories4:

1. SOFT HACKLE:

Used for Tying Wet Flies. Are made for use under the water surface. This “Hackle” when tied does not stand erect. “Hackle” for Wet and Streamer Flies is made up of fine, soft, and bendable feathers. The “Hackle” when submerged in water is intended to move, thereby mimicking the natural motion of bait’s, (such as: insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians), wings, legs, antennae, swimming, shedding, etc…

1. DRY HACKLE:

Used for Tying Dry Flies. Are made for use above the water, and to sit on top

of the water’s surface. This “Hackle” is made up of feathers that stand erect when tyed and act as support to keep the Fly on the water surface.

SADDLE HACKLE:

• The hair or feather region of the lower back.
• Commonly used for tying Wet or Streamer Flies.
• Feathers are long in length (commonly longest is 6”).
• Feathers commonly all the same length.
• Feathers may have webbing (schlopping) of the fibers/barbs.
• Feathers have the same number of feather fibers/barbs on each feather throughout the Saddle.
• Generally can get two (2) to maximum three (3) Hook Sizes per Saddle.
• Made to Tye Hooks in #16-20 Size Range.

NECK HACKLE / CAPE:

• The hairs or feathers from the neck (neck, throat, collar) region of an animal or bird.
• Commonly used for tying Dry Flies.
• Feathers are short in length (commonly longest is 4”)
• Feather are stiff and do not bend easily.
• Has a wide Range of Hook Sizes. For Example: 
  • Top:Smaller Sizes 16-20’s
  • Middle:Medium 12-14’s
  • Bottom:Large 10’s
• Can commonly get four (4) or more Hook Sizes per Cape
• Because there is a wider range of Hook Sizes, there is a Limited Quantity of Hook Sizes available.
• Often has feathers within the Cape that can be used as microfibbets.
• The Longer Feathers at the Bottom section of the Cape are stiff and uniform and make good mayfly tail mimics for Dry Flies.

When Shopping for Hackle - Easy QUALITY GRADING INDICATORS:

Tip: When in doubt, buy a Cape versus a Hackle, because a Cape offers more tying options due to a wider range of feather sizes.

1. Total Fiber/Barbs Count - Higher Count indicates Better Quality;
2. Color - Consistency of Color throughout
3. Stem Strength - Test, bend feather and lock against shank with hook. If it stays that indicates Higher Quality
4. Size Flies - For Neck / Cape Hackles - Has feathers that You are able to Tye Flies in the 20 or Greater Range.

BASIC COLOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

• 1st Tier - “MUST HAVES”:
  • Grizzly,
  • Light or Dark Dun (preferably a Barred)
  • Ginger (Barred)
• 2nd Tier Colors:
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Cream

SOURCE:

1. Wikipedia, Damerow, Gail (2012). The Chicken Encyclopedia: An Illustrated Reference. Storey Publishing. p. 137. ISBN 9781603427760.
2. Wikipedia, Hudson, Lola; Hamilton, William (2017). "Arrector pili muscles". Atlas of Feline Anatomy For Veterinarians. CRC Press. ISBN 9781351465311
3. Wikipedia, Damerow, Gail (2010). "Chapter 1: Choosing a breed". Guide to Raising. Storey Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 9781603424691.
4. Tim Cammisa, TroutandFeathers.com, “Fly Tying: Differences Between Saddle Hackle and Capes.”, 12/22/2015