FLYMPH FORUM

Bill,

That's a fine fishing fly! I believe that I know what you are trying to convey, though. Regarding the "cone" shaped body after tying the hackle in farther back on the hook to shorten the hackle, I have always gotten the same result with that technique. I usually offset the cone shape by dubbing a sparse fur thorax. This doeas a couple of things, as we've all discussed or read about previously...makes a slightly heavier dressed fly, props up the hackle, and covers up some of the effects of shortening the hackle.

I am seldom inclined to use anything other than hen feathers on my smallest flymphs and spiders...as always, Bill - very well done!

Best,

Tim

Good method for smaller flies. Your result is about as good as it gets (& I like the tapered body). You were careful & used just the right amount -- too much & the result is as William describes. The method does require care, & leaves a lot to trim behind the hook eye, but I like it better than arranging barbs that have been clipped from the stem. Dan Bailey's Fly Shop used to have a video posted showing the method.