Roadkill,

I appreciate you posting the pictures. I was hoping a Blue (Dusky) Grouse skin would be less brown and more dun (blue/gray) in color. Of course, different skins could have large color variations and I may find 1 that is less brown and with smaller feathers.

Thanks- Ken

Just wondering who has a Blue (sometimes called Dusky) Grouse skin and what soft hackle/flymph patterns do you tie with them? I'm thinking about buying one, but wondered if I "need it"! If you have 1, is the skin of a male or female better? Even more helpful if you could post pictures........

I like how you transitioned the dubbing color from the abdomen to the thorax, going from tan/brown to olive.

Tight Lines- Ken

A Magpie tail from Cookshills is L3.50, which I believe is $4.72 (American).

Look here: https://www.cookshill-flytying.co.uk/herl.htm

Tight Lines- Ken

That package should keep you busy and expand your tying opportunities--enjoy! I'm hoping my name works its way to the top of the Cookshill Golden Plover waiting list in the very near future.

Tight Lines- Ken

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your encouraging comments.

I was able to tie Leisenring's version for comparison. "Big Jim" used a very different color hackle; he called for honey dun and a tail of the same color.
Tight Lines- Ken

From Dave Hughes' book: Wet Flies
Iron Blue Dun
Hook: Mustad- size 12 (94842)
Thread: Pearsall's Gossamer (Claret)
Tag: Thread
Rib: X-small gold wire
Abdomen: Mole fur on claret (split thread)
Hackle: Jackdaw
Head Cement: H&H

Tight Lines- Ken

Oh, yes--Carl; is there anything he doesn't excel at?

Don't tell anyone, but I heard Carl may even be ................Santa Claus!

Thanks- Ken

ssj,

Is your fly made of a dun hackle wound over a short peacock herl body?

Thanks- Ken

Ray,

Did you dye the partridge skin yourself?

Thanks- Ken