The Soft Hackle Flatwing

Part flatwing, part soft hackle, and part bucktail, the Soft Hackle Flatwing is a favorite in my spring run rotation. The ingenious mix of materials creates ample movement and gives the fly a lifelike energy. Like the fly's originator, Steve Culton, I like to tie this fly in an array of colors ranging from all black, to highlighter orange.

A selection of some of my favorite Soft Hackle Flatwing colorways. From top to bottom: Ray's Fly, Razzle Dazzle and Highlighter Orange.

Recipe

Hook: Mustad 3407, size 2 - 2/0

Thread: Color of preference.

Tail: A small clump of bucktail tied sparse, then two strands of flashabou, then one 3-5 inch flatwing saddle hackle.

Body: Mylar braid

Wing: 30 hairs of bucktail

Collar: 3-4 turns of marabou

Tying Tips

The Soft Hackle Flatwing template lends itself to endless color combinations. Experiment with various colorways and have fun!