Fly Tying Inventory
Mil Spec Soft Hackle
A simple soft hackle from Cheech's Mil Spec series, meant for any mayfly hatch. It uses only thread and a hen feather, and the fly relies on subtle segmentation and a sparse collar. Whiting 4B hen capes are preferred here because the feathers are soft and webby. Cheech fishes it on a Euro rig with a small split shot above the fly. It ties quickly, so a dozen does not take long. Tied here on a size 18 hook.
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Materials
TMC 2488 Curved Nymph hook, size 18
18
Permanent marker, dark, to color the hanging thread for the body bars
How to Tie the Mil Spec Soft Hackle
- 1
Step 1
Set the hook in the vise and start the thread behind the eye.
- 2
Step 2
Wrap back around the bend, then forward and back again in smooth, flat turns to form a slender body. Finish with the thread at the rear of the body.
- 3
Step 3
Let the thread hang and color a section of it with the dark permanent marker.
- 4
Step 4
Spiral the colored thread forward over the body in open turns to make the bars, and stop a little behind the eye.
- 5
Step 5
Choose a soft hen feather from the cape and tie it in by the stem just behind the eye, with the feather lying back over the body. Trim the stem.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap the feather forward with hackle pliers, keeping the collar sparse. Tie off the tip and trim it.
- 7
Step 7
Sweep the fibers back with your fingers, whip finish a small head and trim the thread.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-zcuYATAgQ
Credit: Cheech / Fly Fish Food