In the search for new and innovative products for fly tying, Dr. Tom Whiting has taken the average “barnyard bird” and created another fly tying marvel, the “4B” line - Bigger, Better, Bargain Birds.
The Roosters provide a supple quill, great for collaring, streamer wings, and quill bodies. Round, webby hen feathers are great for soft hackles, legs, wing cases, and even dry fly wings. The possibilities are endless!
Brown
Black
White dyed Red
Spey and Dee flies demand a unique type of feather to create their swept back profiles and flowing movement in swift water. Initially “Spey Cock” feathers from special roosters of the Spey River Valley in Scotland from which both fly and chicken derived their name, provided ideal feathers to tie Spey and Dee flies. But the already obscure Spey Cock stock dwindled into oblivion in the early 20th century, or at least their numbers became insufficient to perpetuate this specific line of fowl. Furthermore, the use of feathers from various European and Asian heron species came into vogue in Spey, Dee and other salmon flies, de-emphasizing the use of Spey Cock feathers which also contributed to their demise.
With the advent of legal protection of heron species, especially in North America, the search for suitable substitutes for heron feathers led to a number of other species and types of feathers being tried. Particular heron substitutes have included rooster schlappen and coque feathers, Ring-Necked Pheasant and Blue Eared Pheasant “rump” saddle feathers, bleached goose shoulder and various duck flank feathers. All these substitues have been used with varying success and are in themselves a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Spey fly tiers. But what worked best; Spey Cock and Heron, was what was actually sought, not the substitute.
Instigating a number of genetic avenues, development proceeded towards a “genetic” Spey Hackle, which then became available after about 5 years of initial selection work. Feather characteristics sought included long, substantial barbs, absence of any webbing between the barbs, non brittleness of the entire feather and excellent density for good value. In addition to a pure white, which is deal for dying, an array of other color and pattern genes were incorporated into this “genetic” Spey hackle stock. Thus new and unusual feather colors and patterns would be available to encourage the inherent creativity of fly tiers. A wide range of feather sizes will also be available from these “genetic” Spey hackle chicken, thus allowing an even wider range of fly sizes to be tied.
Grizzly dyed Olive
Grizzly
Grizzly dyed Heron Grey
White dyed Fl. Green Chartreuse
White dyed Medium Dun
Grizzly dyed Claret
The ideal long feather for streamers, saltwater, steelhead or other big game species fly patterns.
The feathers are nicely tapered making for great tails on big patterns. Stiffer hackle fibers than schlappen and can be used as a hackle collar as well. Sizes 6 to 10.
The Whiting Brahma Rooster Saddle provides fly tiers with a top-quality alternative to traditional soft hackle feathers. Its natural medium dun hue, accented with subtle mottling, delivers a realistic look and natural movement in the water. Ideal for soft hackle patterns, wet flies, and streamers, this sustainable material is a must-have for any fly fishing enthusiast looking to elevate their craft.
Badger dyed Fl Green Chartreuse
Badger dyed Silver Dr. Blue
Grizzly dyed Kingfisher Blue
Grizzly dyed Lime
Grizzly Variant
Перья Coq De Leon отлично подходят для вязания самых разных мушек. Например: в лососёвых мушках можно успешно использовать их в хаклах, в стримерах отлично пойдут в крыло или хвост, из пестрых цветов типа Pardo или Гризли получаются отличные, крепкие, пестрые, не слипающиеся в потоке, практически универсальные хвостики для нимф, сухих мушек и мокрых.
Quite possibly the most versatile of the Whiting products. Create dry fly and nymph tails, wooly bugger collars, large dry fly hackle…the possibilities are endless. Whiting Farms is the only breeder in the world to offer Coq de Leon in Rooster and Hen, and feathers on the pelt.
