Boy, there is no end to the great stuff I learn on this list. Mike
----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Marriner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 1:19 PM Subject: Re: [VFB] Spey Hackle?-another option > It might be worth a moment or two to clear up some confusion re Spey > flies. Spey flies were named for the river Spey, as that was where the > design originated. > According to Buckland and Oglesby, only 2 of the original 8 patterns > called for heron feathers (grey), the remainder for black or red Spey > cock feathers. These latter were feathers from a particular variety of > rooster, now believed to have disappeared. They are very different from > heron, being instead quite webby. The feathers were tied in at the back > by the butt to have the longest fibers at the back. > Another characteristic (5 patterns) is the bronze mallard wings, tied > very low and short. > The meaning of Spey flies has been grossly mangled. What are now called > Spey flies seem to be anything with a palmered hackle that is long and > flowing. > Cheers, > Paul > http://www.galesendpress.com > -- > Paul Marriner > Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Stillwater > Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics (Print [NEW] & CD), Modern Atlantic Salmon > Flies, Miramichi River Journal, Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic > Salmon.
