Izaak wrote:Listening to Bruce Springsteen again?

OOPS! I meant Bon Jovi! I was thinking "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen......silly brain!

Thanks so much for that information, and the photos are great! I am awaiting a jackdaw skin that I have ordered along with a few other bird skins that I am looking forward to getting my hands on. You all are helping me think of ideas for new fly patterns!

Listening to Bruce Springsteen again?

Thanks for posting your picture.....nicely done by the way!

I've come across a few patterns that call for Jackdaw hackle. Has anyone used this material and/or have a photo of a jackdaw hackled fly? I know what a jackdaw is......kind of reminds me of the common grackle in the U.S. without as much iridescence.

Thanks Hans! The pheasant feather looks nice, and two turns of it, which is about all it allows (?), is just right. It appears to be as simple as starling to work with and blue hackle tips look good.

Photo turned out great, too!

Mataura mayfly,

Yes, I doubt my cats would like the dubbing rake very much!

Indeed! I love the minimalist approach. And using this style of hook really gives SHs a fresh and enticingly cool look.

Makes a lot of sense... thanks again! I'll give it a try.