[borderfly]

I see some flies tied with horns on them and I really like the look.

When and where do you use horns on flies? I've even seen Mc Phail use them on trout flies from time to time. I don't think I have ever seen them on any spey or dee flies? Can you use them on these type of flies?

What material is used for horns? How long? What color?

I guess what I'm saying is that I know nothing about horns or the use of them. Could someone please enlighten me.

Thanks KC

 

[pbrstreetgang]

macaw is common as horns on classics

the colors vary by pattern, but if you are tying something of your own device, the limit is fiber length and your imagination

 

[s fontinalis]

Some classics also use Amherst fibers for horns.

 

[catskilljohn]

I love horns on salmon flies too! For those who believe that salmon flies were originally tied to imitate butterflies, their placement really helps that theory.

Historically they were used to support the sides and cheeks, keeping soft chatterer and indian crow feathers at bay. Over the years, and artistically, they have gotten longer and higher, sometimes not even touching the wings at all.

As mentioned above, different patterns called for different materials. Yellow/blue, scarlet, orange, green Macaw, Amherst, Banksian Cockatoo, Golden pheasant, etc are all used, sometimes even in pairs. CJ

 

[borderfly]

When you look at them on flies they almost give the fly a buggy look? I started tying some hares ears with them and I like it.

I love the history of this stuff!

 

[sinktip]

And in the water they have incredible action as well.