Working with tinsels, feathers, silks, furs, wool, and threads

Instructions from a master tier on all materials--traditional and modern--and how to use them

Building on Tying the Classic Salmon Fly, which demonstrates techniques for tying even the most complicated fully dressed salmon flies, Classic Salmon Fly Materials provides an in-depth look at all the possibile ingredients and methods for tying these flies. Starting with the first elements, hook and thread, Radencich gives guidance on working with peacock or ostrich herl and adding body hackles, throat hackles, and collars. He explains which feathers are best suited to each type of hackle and how to fold a hackle and tie in a throat hackle. He then moves on to the most distinguishing element of a fully dressed classic salmon fly, the wings. A discussion of underwings and married and full-feather wings follows, with details on the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of feather. Radencich pulls it all together by giving complete instructions for tying the Carnegie, with expert advice on choosing the proper materials and methods.