Anyone integrate the fluff on the pheasant rump feathers into patterns? I'm not talking about the aftershaft feather. I just tied up a bunch of the larger Olive Willys and while stripping the feathers had the question "what pattern could I use this stuff in?" It would appear to be usable in emergers or nymphs. Any thoughts? I've only been stripping this stuff off for 35 years.
I got one response on the BC forum of one tyer using this stuff via a dubbing loop. It sure does look useable for mayfly gills and damsel nymphs.
I used to tie Jack Gartside poop flies with those type of rump feathers.Jack was a great guy and tier but has passed on. Try google with his name for patterns. I tied a few still water patterns with pheasant rump based on his flies. similar to carey patterns.
I've seen Poxy-Back Green Drake flies that use that material. The tyer (I don't recall his name) dubs the body, folds the rump feather foward, then folds a piece of Thin-Skin over that and ribs it with fine wire. After the fly is completed he epoxies over the Thin-Skin Copper John style.
i use it but it is not very tough. it is very fishy looking. i also use it for tails along with marabou and flash. it is tough to throw away anything. mike w
