Sea-run brown spider (spoiler alert: not-so-soft hackle)

[Stendalen]

There has been some nice posts about flies for sea-run browns lately. I use a lot of soft-hackle spiders for my sea trout fishing. This season I made a version with coq-de-leon front hackle. Now, this might sound as being too stiff. However, compared to a hen hackle for instance where the soft fibers will lay "slick" against the hook during the figure-eight retrieve the stiffer fibers of coq-de-leon provides a really nice pulsating movement during this type of retrieve. So, this is not a material for free-drifting in rivers (I think). My new favourite fly for sure that also have fooled browns, rainbow trout and arctic char. Here are some examples:

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Just beautiful. They would work well in the faster flowing water of a good steelhead river as well.

[Old Hat]

Beautiful spiders Martin.

I like to use Coq de Leon as well on my flymph designs for steelhead. You can find some very nice soft feathers on the upper (near the head) region of cock saddles. Of course the hens are much softer but I like the glassy tips of the cock feathers and pulsing action that you get.

[Stendalen]

Beautiful spiders Martin.

I like to use Coq de Leon as well on my flymph designs for steelhead. You can find some very nice soft feathers on the upper (near the head) region of cock saddles. Of course the hens are much softer but I like the glassy tips of the cock feathers and pulsing action that you get.

Agree, the cock feathers are really nice. Maybe it was seeing your flies that got me to try this out on my seatrouts.

/Martin

[CreationBear]

Great ties--I like the looks of the hook you chose as well...do you remember the model?

At any rate, you and Old Hat (not to mention Jean-Paul Dessaigne and Lucian Vasies ) make a strong case for CdL.

[Mataura mayfly]

Beautiful set of Spiders Martin, exquisite in every respect.

[Stendalen]

Thank you all!

The hook is a real gem Varivas Deep Wide Wet.

Martin

[Donald Nicolson]

I really like these flies. Especially the nice spare bodies.
I have some Coq-de-Leon Cock skins I haven't really got round to using yet.
I have used brown speckled hen quite a lot, these flies have given me some good ideas for sea-trout/steelhead flies. An excellent and very well dressed group of flies.

[CreationBear]

The hook is a real gem Varivas Deep Wide Wet.

Excellent, I'll be on the look-out for some.

[letumgo]

Beautiful flies, Martin (as usual). I'm happy to see you posting again. Hope all is going well with you.