Featherwing Streamer: First Attempt

When I put the hook in the vise, I knew I was going to experiment a little. I wanted to try to invent a streamer to imitate a small brown trout fry, improvising along the way with a variety of materials. What I didn't know was that it'd become my first attempt at this style of fly. I just noticed the feathers in the drawer and couldn't resist giving it a try.









Obviously, its far from perfect. The wing feathers didnt match well,the head is obscene, the tippets are uneven, and because I didnt know this was how it would end up, the tail looks nothing like any traditional pattern (with flash! the horror!), but overall, I'm fairly pleased with how this first attempt turned out.

Please, by ALL means, question, comment, complain, critique, advise, etc.

Recipe:

Hook: Mustad 36890, Size 6

Thread: Uni 8/0

Tail: Dyed yellow mallard flank over ghost krystal flash

Tag: Orange floss

Abdomen: Bronze Sparkle Braid

Rear Hackle: Burnt Orange Saddle Hackle

Thorax: Yellow Sparkle Yarn

Rib: Copper Ultra Wire and Peacock Herl (dyed red)

Front Hackle: Dyed Yellow Guinea over Brown mottled hen neck

Wing: Pheasant "church window" feathers

Secondary wing: Golden Pheasant Tippets

ORIGINAL: freshwaterdrumR

I'd eat it......
seriously, looks awesome.
You should do a step by step tutorial

Haha, thanks...I dont think I'm ready for a tutorial yet by a long shot. This one just kind of came together by chance.

It seems like 75% of getting the wing right is choosing compatible feathers from the beginning. The first pair I tried on this fly ended up in the trash because they just refused to cooperate. These two weren't much better at first, but I did, obviously, get them in the end.

To guys that tie in this style: do you treat your feathers with anything prior to tying them in? Something like Softex/Flex seal/hairspray/etc?

I like it.  The one on the opposite side of you first. do 2 soft wraps and then tight wraps. You must hold the wing in place while doing it. After the first side is set, just repeat. I have placed both sides of the wing and wrapped it at the same time as well though. Which ever works for you go with. Almost forgot the best trick. Flatten the stem with pliers where you are going to tie it in at. It helps it from rolling.

The flattening tip helps me greatly.....thanks guys.

I believe it is easier one at a time but whatever works for you.