May 22, 2019 · Here are 11 of the best soft hackle wet flies for fly fishing that we depend on. Nick Nicklas produced this excellent blue wing olive emerger with soft hackles for a pulsating movement.

Feb 11, 2014 · And yes, those are the very feathers that go into the classic soft-hackle flies. But soft hackle has also found its way into a number of other effective patterns over the years, including streamers and shrimps. Here are 10 of the most effective traditional and non-traditional soft-hackle designs.

Mar 4, 2024 · These soft hackles allow the fly to sink and, when the fly is swung, they lay back over the body trapping the air bubble that makes the fly so deadly. Traditionally, the dubbing ball was made from peacock.

Aug 19, 2024 · Soft hackles have been catching fish since the invention of fly fishing. Here's how to fish a soft hackle fly, plus 6 killer patterns.

The most basic version of the soft-hackle fly consists of a hook shank wrapped with thread, floss, or peacock herl and a hackle (partridge, grouse, hen or some other soft-hackled bird) wound around the forward part of the shank.

Mar 22, 2024 · Soft hackle flies, often underestimated, bring a level of elegance and effectiveness to the fly fishing experience. In this blog, we'll dive into the world of soft hackle flies, exploring their history, tying techniques, and tips for how to effectively fish with them.

How can you go wrong with one of Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard's favorite flies? This soft hackle, developed by Nick Nicklas from Blue Ribbon Flies, has some great materials that, when combined, prove to be very effective on trout.

Jan 17, 2023 · Soft-hackled fly in special flow-tank to demonstrate action of the long, loose hackles. This photo shows fly with no drag. (Sylvester Nemes photo) Same fly with current (or fly motion) activating hackles.

Soft hackles are perhaps the most versatile patterns because you can fish them effectively from the streambed to the surface. These simple flies are chameleons, effectively imitating almost the entire life cycles of mayflies, midges, caddisflies, and a host of other arthropods.

Apr 5, 2018 · Rigging up soft hackles for swinging is quick and uncomplicated. By themselves or in any combination, a sinking line, sinking leader, or split shot will all get the flies down. Use a weighted soft hackle as your lead fly and tie a smaller soft hackle off the bend of the hook 16- to 24-inches behind.