Hi John, I remembered after my earlier post about a simple tool you can make that helps hold the hair back in place while you secure it with thread wraps. I read about it in some magazine, but I don't remember who to credit.
At any rate, simply cut a 1 - 1 1/2" piece of drinking straw and work a large (1/4" wide or so) rubber band through it. You want the rubber band to work against the sides of the straw for light tension. Now you will have ends of the band sticking out from either side of the straw. You can remove the fly from the vise and work from behind or tie off with half-hitches and snip your thread at this point (my method). Draw enough of the band from one side to slip over the hair you have stroked back to form the wing and simply draw it snug (this is why you need the tension within the straw). This will hold the hair nicely in place while you apply your thread wraps and rubber legs. Once you tie off, pull the straw down to release the band and slip it back over the head. Incidentally, if you flare the wing at first, work slightly back with wraps of less pressure to help lay the hair down. A little practice, and those Deschutes trout won't stand a chance against your flies. I have one of these around my bench somewhere. I'd be happy to send it to you if you want to shoot me your mailing address off-list. Apologies for the length. Hope this makes sense. Monte -- Monte Smith Brownsville, Oregon
