This week’s Friday Night Fly Tying Video is brought to us by Rich Strolis of Catching Shadows Guide Service and features a buggy looking Hendrickson soft hackle.
Contents
Tips on Tying Hendrickson Soft Hackle
You’ll notice Rich is using a heavier thread (UTC 140) which is easier to split when making a dubbing rope. When using a heavier thread I find you really need to be careful with the number of thread wraps used to avoid thread build up. Watch the video carefully and you’ll see how precise Rich is with the number of thread wraps; you could probably count the number of wraps he uses.
Sizing Soft Hackle Collars
One of the great things about tying soft hackles is you can tie them to your liking. You can make them buggy and shaggy if you like with a longer collar or do as Rich does and size the collar to about the length of the hook shank. Tie a few up in different styles and see what works on your local waters.
How to Fish a Hendrickson Soft Hackle
As Rich points out, another great thing about a Hendrickson soft hackle is you can fish it in the film as an emerger, a cripple or even a spent spinner. Or you can fish it with weight under an indicator to represent a swimming nymph either on a dead drift or on the swing. I am really starting to enjoy swinging soft hackles using a more classical down-and-across retrieve. It is a very relaxing way to fish and the fish usually hit the fly pretty hard and hook themselves. What could be better!
Hendrickson Soft Hackle Material List
Hook: Standard wetfly (TMC 9300) size 12 to 14
Thread: UTC 140
Collar and Tail: Brahma Hen
Body: Seal Brown Hare-Tron Dubbing
Ribbing: Small Copper Tinsel
Tie a few up and enjoy!
