The lifelike movement of the Chickabou and soft hackle feathers attracts all manner of fishes.
Of his Soft Hackle Streamer, Jack Gartside wrote that it was his favorite small streamer for all species of fish, in salt or fresh water. An enemy or orthodoxy of any kind, he was adamant that tiers should try all different colors and combinations, being limited only by imagination. The undulation of the materials in the water is what makes the pattern so attractive to fish, and tiers love it because the Soft Hackle Streamer is ridiculously easy to tie.
Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, maintains that simplicity in his step-by-step directions for tying his version of Gartside’s pattern, and you should be able to crank them out in a few minutes. If you’re having trouble finding the specific Coq de Leon Soft Hackle with Chickabou Flagler uses—here’s one online source—feel free to substitute other soft hackle feathers.
The Soft Hackle Streamer
Hook: 2X-long streamer hook (here a Lightning Strike SN1), size 8.
Thread: Olive, 6/0 or 140 denier.
Flash: Two strands of Pearl Krystal Flash.
Tail/body: Speckled Salmon Coq de Leon Chickabou.
Collar: Speckled Burnt Orange Coq de Leon soft-hackle feather.
Head: Tying thread.
Collar: Burnt Orange Soft Hackle feather.
Note: You can experiment with different colors of soft hackle and
Chickabou.
I like his technique for securing the tail. Never to old to learn.
I’m heading out today to fish the Rogue River & a soft hackle (maribou) streamer will be my fly of choice. Our clarity is starting to diminish, so the added profile is very much needed!
Years ago I was fishing at the Davidson when the fish were big and stacked like firewood. I had tied a white Gartside streamer to look like a baby trout, and was fishing it on a sink tip like steel heading. I caught and released a huge Kamloops male named Redsides that gave me a fight I’ll never forget!!