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.
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 and for patterns that require extra buoyancy and durability, such as a hair-wing 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 deer hair poppers and muddler minnows. It offers excellent buoyancy and can create a substantial, bushy body on the fly. Look for hair that is relatively straight, and ensure the length is appropriate for the size of the fly you're tying.
Bucktail
Bucktail, the long, flowing hair from a deer's tail, is a staple in fly tying. It is used to create streamers, saltwater flies, and large freshwater patterns. Bucktail's natural movement in the water makes it perfect for mimicking baitfish and other swimming prey. Bucktail is often used in patterns like the Clouser minnow and Lefty’s deceiver.
Selecting Bucktail:
Choose a bucktail with long, straight fibers that taper smoothly. You may find medium bucktails more useful than large bucktails for smaller streamers.
Mule Deer Hair
Mule deer hair is coarser than most other deer hair types and is suitable for larger patterns like hoppers and stimulators. It's known for its durability and ability to create substantial bodies. Mule deer hair is excellent for creating thewings and bodiesy 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 an elk hair caddis or stimulator because of its stiffness and buoyancy. 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 suits smaller patterns. Its finer texture makes it ideal for smaller caddisfly and mayfly patterns.
Yearling Elk Hair: Yearling elk hair balances bull elk's coarseness and cow elk’s fineness. It is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of patterns.
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.
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 significantly affect the fishing characteristics of your fly patterns. Each type of deer and elk 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.
