Elk Hair Mane Flies?

[Brian P]

Anyone know what you can use Elk Hair mane for? I was given some elk hair in advance for showing someone how to tye a fly. I thought it was body hair but it is from the mane. I am sure I can use it for something but don't have any idea off hand. Any ideas?

Brian

[Stewart]

Elk mane is one of the hair types that is long enough to weave for the hair hackle to do a Grants stonefly nymph. I've tried a few, and they are a pain to do. The weaving is not very easy. I also use the longer hairs for mayfly tails.

[Jeremy Floyd]

I use the darkest elk I can find on the body and wings for my october caddis

[Longs for Cutts]

If it's straight enough, it makes excellent salmonfly (the insect not the fish) wings. I actually prefer solid or semi-hollow hairs for this fly, to provide non-flaring bulk. Salmonflies don't float well, so sinking a bit isn't at all a problem.