FLYMPH FORUM

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

Here is another fly in that style.

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

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.

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

Old Hat wrote: ↑Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:34 am 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.

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.

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

wsbailey wrote: ↑Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:53 pm 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.

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

Seconded! I would love seeing that too.