Parachute Hackles

[Conehead]

I learned a new way to tie-off parachute hackles that seems to make them bomb-proof. Rather than tying the feather off in the front of the hackle post, while wrapping the hackle, keep the thread/bobbin behind the post, and on the back side of the hook (from your position). After the hackle is wrapped allow the hackle pliers to hang on the far side of the hook, again, in back of the post. Wrap the thread around the post between the wraps of hackle. Then trim the hackle, and tie off the thread, or add some dubbing to the front of the bug. I haven't had a hackle come loose yet.

I also use polypropylene for the post, and tie an overhand knot about 1/16" to 1/8" (size dependent) from the hook.

It's bomb-proof, and I think that it makes a neater looking hackle at the tie-off point.

[Jason]

Conehead, that's a good suggestion. I recently (well, within the las 4-5 months) I read something about that same technique. I think it was out of a magazine I was reading. Not sure which one though. That's going to bug me because I probably still have the issue. Anyway, the technique will allow you to keep your eye clear and free of hackle fibers as you do your whip finish. I can definitely see the strength factor as well.

Another suggestion for you. When you do your parachute posts, tie a knot in the post material and use that knot to hold your hackle in place. Basically the knot on the post won't allow your hackle to come unraveled or slide 'up' the post. That knot secures it. There's actually a photo of a Knotty Parachute pattern in the fly archive under dry flies. The photo isn't that great but it shows my point.

http://www.utahonthefly.com/flytying/frameset.htm