Selecting Deer and Elk Hair for Fly Tying
One of the most critical aspects of creating effective fly patterns is choosing the right materials. With careful selection, deer and elk hair can be used for everything from dry flies to streamers. When it comes to crafting dry flies, especially those imitating adult stoneflies, caddis flies, and terrestrial insects, deer hair is a go-to material due to its buoyancy, durability, and natural appearance. In this article we’ll cover some basic tips for selecting different types of hair commonly used in fly tying.
Deer Belly Hair
Deer belly hair is prized for its buoyancy and is often used in patterns like the Comparadun and the Wulff series. It's finer than elk hair, making it suitable for smaller dry flies.
Selecting Deer Belly Hair: Choose hair with a uniform color and texture. It should be relatively straight and free from kinks.
Deer Hock Hair
Deer hock hair is unique among the different types of deer hair due to its stiffness and hollow nature. This hair is ideal for tying legs and antennae on flies, as well as for patterns that require extra buoyancy and durability, such as the Hairwing Dun.
Selecting Deer Hock Hair:
Choose hair with a uniform color and without significant bends or kinks. The hollow nature of deer hock hair makes it an excellent choice for floatable body and wing structures.
Deer Body Hair
Deer hair from the body is coarser than belly hair and is ideal for patterns like the Deer Hair Popper and the Muddler Minnow. It offers excellent buoyancy and can create a substantial, bushy body on the fly.
Selecting Deer Body Hair: Look for hair that is relatively straight and has a good mix of guard hairs and underfur. The length should be appropriate for the size of the fly you're tying.
Bucktail
Bucktail, the long, flowing hair from the tail of a deer, is a staple in fly tying for creating streamers, saltwater flies, and large freshwater patterns. Its natural movement in the water makes it perfect for mimicking baitfish and other swimming prey.
Selecting Bucktail:
Choose a bucktail with long, straight fibers that taper smoothly. The hair should be free of underfur and kinks, as these can disrupt the fly’s profile and movement. Bucktail is often used in patterns like the Clouser Minnow and the Lefty’s Deceiver.
Sika Deer Hair
Sika deer hair is a bit less common but is highly regarded for tying smaller, delicate dry flies. It's known for its fine texture and natural color variations.
Selecting Sika Deer Hair: Seek hair with fine, even tips and consistent color. Sika deer hair is often used for imitating midges and small mayflies.
Mule Deer Hair
Mule deer hair is coarser than most other deer hair types and is suitable for larger patterns like the Hopper and the Stimulator. It's known for its durability and ability to create substantial bodies.
Selecting Mule Deer Hair: Look for straight, coarse hair with long, thick tips. Mule deer hair is excellent for creating the wing and body of bushy dry flies.
Elk Hair
Elk hair is a staple material in fly tying, offering excellent buoyancy and a natural look. Different types of elk hair can vary in texture, color, and suitability for various fly patterns. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used elk hair types:
Bull Elk Hair: This type is generally coarser and more durable than other elk hairs. It is ideal for larger flies like the Elk Hair Caddis and Stimulators because of its stiffness and ability to support larger wings. The coarse nature of bull elk hair helps it float well, even in fast water.
Cow Elk Hair: Softer and finer than bull elk hair, cow elk hair is suitable for smaller patterns. Its finer texture allows for more precise and detailed fly patterns, making it ideal for smaller caddisfly and mayfly patterns.
Yearling Elk Hair: Yearling elk hair offers a balance between the coarseness of bull elk and the fineness of cow elk. It is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of patterns. Yearling elk hair is often used for medium-sized flies where both durability and precision are needed.
Late-Season Elk Hair: Harvested later in the year, this elk hair is often darker and thicker due to the growth of a winter coat. It is excellent for patterns that require a more rugged, natural look. The thicker texture also adds to the buoyancy of the flies.
Selecting Elk Hair:
When choosing elk hair, consider the size and type of fly you're tying. For larger flies, bull or late-season elk hair is preferable due to its length, durability and floatation properties. For smaller patterns, cow or yearling elk hair will usually be preferred.
The choice of hair can make a significant difference in the fishing characteristics of your fly patterns. Each type of deer hair has its unique qualities, making it suitable for specific fly designs. By understanding the different properties of these hair types, you can confidently select the right material. Experiment with these different types of hair, and feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Happy tying!
