Solaris Soft Hackle

Materials

How to Tie the Solaris Soft Hackle

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure your hook in the vise with the shank horizontal and a firm grip. Start your thread just behind the eye and lay down a smooth base to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a short length of small gold or copper wire at the bend of the hook. Let it hang for now — this will be counter-wrapped later to reinforce the body.

   This step is optional but adds durability and segmentation.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl or apply UV dubbing for a glossier, flashier effect. Wrap the herl or dubbing forward in tight, even turns to about 2/3 of the way up the hook shank.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Counter-wrap the wire rib through the body material, spacing it evenly. This adds durability and introduces a segmented, lifelike effect. Tie off the rib and snip the excess.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Dub a small but prominent section of bright orange dubbing (like Hend's Spectra Dubbing) just ahead of the body. This creates a visual trigger and helps prop the hackle.

   The vivid orange thorax paired with natural hackle is the key trigger of this pattern.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Select a partridge feather with fine, webby fibers. Strip the fluff from the base and tie it in by the tip, directly in front of the thorax. Take 1-2 wraps max, then secure and trim the stem. The fibers should sweep back naturally.

   Only 1-2 hackle wraps — too many will crowd the fly.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Build a small thread head, whip finish, and add a drop of Loon Outdoors Head Cement for durability.

   Fish the Solaris on a swing or lift to activate the hackle fibers. Ideal as a dropper fly in a two-fly rig during hatch periods.