Hackle

Other fly parts:
hackle/wing/tail/
wingcase/legs/body/head

wound hackle feathers (dry mayfly)

soft hackle feathers (mayfly nymph)

Hackle is traditionally bird feathers. Individual feathers from a wide variety of birds are used to wrap around the shank of the hook. Synthetic materials are also used as hackle.

As the feather is wrapped in circular fashion around the shank by the tyer, this "splays out" the individual fibers from the hook to create the effect of legs or wings. Depending upon the way in which the hackle is tied, these fibers may be at a 90 degree angle for an "upright" effect, or angled back to 45 degrees or less.

Upright hackle will serve to support the fly on the water, such as for dry flies. Swept-back hackle is meant to suggest legs of natural insects and is most often seen on wet flies and nymphs. Dry flies use stiffer hackles designed to support the weight of the fly on the water. Softer, more pliable "webby" hackle is used for wet flies, nymphs and streamers that show "life" under the water.

multiple hackle feathers (dry stonefly)

soft hackle fibers (wet fly)

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