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Heron Substitute

6K views 23 replies 18 participants last post by  CSFT 
#1 ·
I'm looking to start experimenting with tying akroyds/skagit mist/lady caroline type flies. I really like tying most of my current wetflies on AJ #3 irons. What substitutes are out there besides the Whiting Spey Hackle capes? I just don't have the desire to spend $40 on a cape that will be used minimally. Is pheasant rump appropriate for this?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
Go to canadiantubeflies.com They sell real heron...and it is a species legal for import to the US. Just work your way through the site and they will tell you what they can ship here and what they cannot. When you get to the heron page read the column on the left...that will give you the details. And so you know...I have no stake in the company nor am I affiliated with them in any way.

I know about these feathers...because I have some from them and it is super!!!
 
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#5 ·
Purple Heron is legit if you can get it for the right price. If your looking for subs, Ringneck Pheasant rump is cheap and you can usually find lots of colors, although it's quite a bit shorter, so plan on using two feathers if your palmering up the body. Once in a while, you can find a really good pack of Extra Select Marabou, which has minimal barbules and looks the part, although it's significantly more limp than heron. I've not had good luck with the Whiting Spey Hackle so far. Even more limp and fragile than marabou, you're better off spending your money elsewhere.
 
#6 · (Edited)
i managed a trip to the big river yesterday and fished this fly . no fish (3 guys , 7hrs ea. ) , beautiful day on the river though for sure . but , this looked pretty fishy . my bud commented so as they swum by him .
peacock herl , spun in a loop . i trim the short ends after spinning and bury them in the dubbing . just one idea .
now to hook up on one . ha ha
i also like the heron from canadian tube fly .
thanks to everyone , jim
 

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#10 ·
As regards burnt goose as a heron substitute. Yes and no. Yes it works to make nice flies - sometimes. The problem is consistency. Too much time in the bleach and the feathers become brittle. Too little and the flue remains fluffy and still clings together. Not my first choice, although it is widely available.
 
#12 ·
I’ve tried every thing mentioned save blue eared pheasant, and I like them all, but they are all different and behave differently in water.

One not mentioned is Rhea. I believe it was brought into the market as a heron replacement as well. But, it too is different.

In regards to winding up a hook shank, your best bet will be whiting farm Spey hackle or blue eared pheasant. Pheasant rump won’t make it. And goose sucks!

But, there is now legal heron called pond heron that isn’t anymore expensive than all the other feathers listed. Canadian Tube has it and it’s awesome as well! Blue eared pheasant is extremely versatile and nice but probably the most expensive out of them all. For smaller collaring work the pheasant rump is gorgeous. And I’m beginning to like the whiting farm stuff more and more! Never tried schlappen, but I’m sure it rocks for catching fish and you can hackle all the way up a hook with it. Maybe try a pack of the long stuff from Fish hunter??

Good luck
 
#14 ·
I'm looking to start experimenting with tying akroyds/skagit mist/lady caroline type flies. I really like tying most of my current wetflies on AJ #3 irons. What substitutes are out there besides the Whiting Spey Hackle capes? I just don't have the desire to spend $40 on a cape that will be used minimally. Is pheasant rump appropriate for this?

Thanks
Ringneck Pheasant rump is perfect for small speys. Heron feathers, those used for hackles, tend to be large with long, flowing barbules - so Dee and Spey patterns (Akroyd and Lady Caroline) trend on the larger side.

Goose shoulder is just OK. The stems become too thick too quickly that it is only good for 3-4 wraps before becoming too bulky. White goose feathers do take dyes very well so if you're into that you can have a variety of colors from just a pack or two. The barbules will separate when wet so it isn't necessary to bleach-burn them. A fly will only appear heavily hackled but dressing down well in the water.
 
#15 ·
I just received a small shipment from the Canadian Tube Fly Company: 20 large gray heron feathers for $22.95 + $4 shipping. Most are 7.5-8 inches long, with fibers long enough for almost any spey hook. The requested color was for natural gray, and so says the invoice. I call them brown, dark in the lower feather, medium brown toward the base. A bit disappointing, but suitable for most traditional spey patterns. They also offer colored, and smaller, spey feathers. I'll be ordering more things from them.
 
#17 ·
Dang this forum. Now I have to purchase some heron feathers.
To contribute further, aside from mallard which was previously mentioned (great advice, btw), one can find select gadwall and get surprisingly long hackles -- most of it is barred or two-tone, which makes it even cooler. Only expect to get a few large ones from a pack - but worth it.
 
#23 ·
i'm sorry nothing swims like Heron .......
I concur :smokin::smokin:

For small speys and dees, Vic has it right .... Ringneck Pheasant rump is hard to beat. It takes to dying very well too. There is also some select Ringneck rump that is long enough for medium sized speys and dees. I usually head for Blue Eared Pheasant at that point though.
BEP is probably the closest substitute for heron. You can get some very large plumes from a mature male bird, say 3 years and older.
Male Peacock rump feathers are very similar to BEP, only a natural black, with some plumes having the "peacock green rainbow" added in for extra fishiness :smokin:
Coot flank and rump are great for small speys. I have never seen any large or long enough for even a medium sized spey or dee.

I'm no fan of burnt goose and I will end it there.

The Gray Heron in both XL and Large (regular) plumes are my favorite for Dees, Glasso Speys and other modern Spey patterns. These are the long plumes and have decently thin stems that are conducive to wrapping tight along long, thin bodies. For traditional speys, I stick with coque saddles, mostly natural, but sometimes dyed.
The other heron plumes (large and medium) are excellent for collars or short thorax style body wraps. Great for keeping things sparse !!


Mike
 
#24 ·
Reading this thread makes me glad I acquired a respectable supply of this stuff last spring. I seems to be going out the door of Canadian Tube Flies at an unbelievable rate. Enjoy guys...

One final thought...I totally agree with Mike on feather selection for various types/styles/sizes of Spey/Dee flies...older or newer creations. Heron is great...but not the only thing.
 
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