Bodkin / Patterns

Partridge Soft Hackle

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 2 versions

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard wet-fly / nymph hook, 12-16
  • Thread Brown 8/0

Materials

  • Hare's ear dubbing Natural tan hare s ear dubbing (thin body)
  • Copper wire Copper wire (small, rib)
  • Hungarian partridge hackle Natural grey/brown hungarian partridge hackle (1 feather)
  • Peacock herl Natural peacock herl (1-2 strands, thorax)

How to tie it

  1. Start the thread at the eye and wrap to the bend; catch in a strand of copper wire and leave it hanging at the tail.
  2. Dub a slim, slightly tapered hare's-ear body from the bend forward to the 70% mark. Use half the dubbing you think you need.
  3. Counter-wrap the copper wire forward in 4-5 open turns for a segmented, buggy look, then helicopter off the tag.
  4. Tie in a partridge feather by the tip at the 70% mark, shiny side forward, and strip away the fuzzy base.
  5. Wind two turns of peacock herl to build a fat little thorax that will kick the hackle out.
  6. Take 2 turns of partridge, sweeping the fibers rearward so they reach the hook point, bind and trim.
  7. Form a small head, whip finish and cement.

Other versions

1 more in the app: Bead.

Tying videos

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