Charles Cotton's Great Hackle

[GlassJet]

This mayfly pattern is over 300 years old - or should i say was first written down over 300 years ago. This is based on Roger Fogg's tying of it in his latest book, in that he left off the wing, which seems like a good move to me! He says that fished damp / wet, it is a good representation of a waterlogged mayfly. But is it a bumble, i hear you ask, coming out of Derbyshire as it did? I don't know!


Hook: Kamasan B800 #12. Body hackle: light ginger genetic hen. Main hackle: bit darker and more marked light ginger, coloured olive then yellow with pantone pens. Dubbing: cream seal's fur with a bit of yellow. Tail: pheasant tail barbs. Rib: dental floss coloured brown with marker pen.

I have a lot of time for these palmered soft hackles - they fish very well for me, particularly just in the surface. Having said that, not fished this one yet!

Andrew.

[Old Hat]

Beautiful pattern, you've captured that classic look well.