A Wee Celtic Ginger

[letumgo]

A Wee Celtic Ginger
Hook - Daiichi Model 1150 (Size 12)
Thread - Pearsall's Gossamer Silk (Claret)
Hackle - Male Ring Neck Pheasant Shoulder Hackle (Natural Auburn Red)
Tag/Rib - Fine Gold Wire
Rear Body - Pearsall's Gossamer Silk (Claret)
Thorax - Three or Four Strands of Peacock Herl (Natural Iridescent Green)







TYING SEQUENCE (photos):





I wasn't able to capture the true color of this hackle, but it it amazing when the sunlight hits it. The fibers glow a deep auburn red. The color harmonizes very well with the claret and peacock herl body.




The next photo shows a side-by-side comparison of the results using pheasant shoulder feather (left) and red grouse neck feather (right). In a pinch, you could always add some dark spots with a Sharpie marker, making the results even more similar.

[DUBBN]

I am glad to see you tying such gorgeous patterns using cock pheasant.

[upstatetrout]

I like it Ray nice pattern and it looks great on that hook!

Tom

[Roadkill]

Another beauty for my must tie list!

[letumgo]

I forgot to mention that the pheasant shoulder feather is a nice substitute for red grouse. The color is very similar (minus the black barring). In terms of texture, the pheasant fibers are slightly stiffer than red grouse (very limp). Worth keeping in mind, when looking for subs and designing how a pattern will swim/fish.

(*) New photos showing both hackles side-by-side added above.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

That's just stunning, Ray.

[Roadkill]

My neck was a little too picked over but these will fish, thanks Ray!!
Silver rib on a scud hook...

IMGP0218 by William Lovelace, on Flickr

[letumgo]

Very cool. Let me know how they work.

[joaniebo]

Nice flies.....I've been sorting hackles and recently realized that I have quite a few rooster (and hen) pheasant hackles to use. Each skin produces mucho hackles.

Bob

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I've noticed, on facebook pages and other site, that folks seem to be rediscovering pheasant as hackles, not just tail fibers. It could be that I'm just noticing the posts more. Either way, I'm glad to see so many taking advantage of all those hackles that cost so little.