Smoky Mountain Blackbird Fly

[joaniebo]

In this link ( http://softhacklepatternbook.blogspot.c ... ly-or.html ), there's a pic of a fly called the "Smoky Mountain Blackbird" that has a palmered "split starling primary" feather as the hackle.

In looking at several staling skins and wings I have, I don't see any feather that looks like what's in the pic in color or texture.

Has anyone tied this fly and, if so, what hackle was used? Thanks.

Bob

[wsbailey]

Here is another fly in that style.

http://www.rackelhanen.se/eng/10384.htm

[Old Hat]

I believe It's a primary wing feather where the rachis has been split lengthwise so it can be flexible enough to wrap. I don't know why someone would go to that length to hackle a fly.

[Bazzer69]

It’s ugly enough to catch fish, I would call it Bog Brush!

[redietz]

I don't know why someone would go to that length to hackle a fly.

If it's got the same heritage as the Yellarhammer, it may go back to the Cherokees, who were tying it before Europeans arrived.

[zen leecher]

I bought a yellow dyed starling skin from a guy down in Tennessee a couple years ago. It was for one of the last fly swaps I participated in. I think the fly I did was a Cow Dung. I don't think the seller is still alive. The skin was intended to be a substitute for the flicker aka yellow hammer.

[wsbailey]

Darrel Martin wrote about a similar fly made with deer hair. He attributed it to the Cherokees. He even created a tool to cut the hide into a strip. More about the yallerhammer:

http://flyanglersonline.com/features/ol ... art206.php

[Old Hat]

Darrel Martin wrote about a similar fly made with deer hair. He attributed it to the Cherokees. He even created a tool to cut the hide into a strip. More about the yallerhammer:

http://flyanglersonline.com/features/ol ... art206.php

I've taken Darrel's Antique Angler class. It was a great day. We made our own hooks, twisted horsehair leaders and tied Cotton flies in hand. He is also a master of quirky tools. I remember discussing and seeing an example of that deer hair fly.

[Old Hat]

It would be cool to see someone go in depth with the history of fly fishing in Native American culture.

[letumgo]

Seconded! I would love seeing that too.