Blue-Eared Pheasant

[Southsound]

I knew this would eventually happen, but since I have been tying lotsa steelhead and salmon patterns this summer, it has happened sooner that I'd hoped... I am almost out of blue-eared pheasant rump feathers and need to resupply soon. I have been working with feathers from a skin that I bought with a buddy in Alaska several years back but these are just about used up. Any ideas aside from the way too expensive packs of 12 that are available from fly shops? I know Waters West has whole hides for sale but they're pretty spendy as well. Might be willing to split costs with others for a whole hide but am looking for alternatives (always looking to save!) Might be willing to trade some other "exotic" materials with someone for a supply of BEP as well as I am in pretty good shape as far as legal polar bear.

Thanks all...

Steve Cole
Olympia, WA

[FT]

Unless you happen to know someone who raises blue-eareds just because they like them and can get a skin when one of his birds dies, I highly doubt you are going to find a skin for less than $135.00. Every good skin I've seen has run between $135.00 and $225.00.

Instead of blue-eared, why not use Whiting Spey Hackle in heron grey? A silver grade (top grade) Whiting Spey Hackle neck runs around $35.00, far less than a blue-eared and they tie a lot of flies along with having a huge selection of feather sizes.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Steve,

If you have your heart set on Blue Eared Pheasant you might try Denny Conrad at www.conranch.com. He is a hackle breeder over in Elk, WA. I know he has BEP and Jungle Cock, just don't know if they are his breeding stock or not. His e-mail addy and phone number are on the web site.

Ron Eagle Elk (REE)

[Southsound]

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I have looked at the offerings from Whiting but maybe I was looking at earlier hackle because it kind of looked like oversized schlappen. I will look again.

Ron, thanks for the tip on Conranch.

If I find a decent source, is anyone interested in the information?

Thanks again guys.

Steve

[Tim Cottage]

One alternative might be to purchase a half skin. Last time I looked they were available at River Run Anglers http://www.speyshop.com/
If Aaron at River Run does not have half skins in stock you could contact Jack Cook at http://www.irishangler.com/
Jack is the supplier for much of the tying supplies at River Run.

TC

[Davy]

Another good source of Spey hackle is from Ronn Lucas ( a member), he strips Peahen feathers which make a very fine spey hackle. I use them often. He can be emailed at rlucas@cybcon.com for his full catalog of high-end and exotic tying materials.

[three_tree]

Southsound,

I would be interested in hearing about the different BEP sources you might happen across.

[Joz]

Steve.....E_Mail me I have a complete BEP I will give you(it's dead and frozen) I think fly fishers should help each other......Merle e-mail
walkergamebirds@centurytel.net

[FT]

Joz,

Too bad more folks who raise birds like blue-eareds don't make the generous offer you just did to Steve. You are to be commended.

[Southsound]

I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate Merle's kind and generous offer of the BEP. Sounds like I have a little work to do but I am actually looking forward to it. Merle... thanks a bunch.

Steve Cole
Olympia, WA

PS... ask Merle about the Searun he caught recently!