How about tying some controlled experiments? One I would suggest is to tie several of a favorite streamer pattern and then look it over carefully.

Now tie a few more with one difference: reduce the length of fibers (and feather wing if there is one in your pattern) by half the distance they reach beyond the bend in the hook.

Now one (possibly more) time(s) until the fibers just barely pass or are even with the bend in the hook.

Now look at those.

Start again, only this time reduce the bulk of hair/fibers my 1/3.

Do it again.

One or more times again until you can count the fibers that form the throat and cheek, the tail (if any) and even the wing.

Now plan your fishing trip and speculate which style will work best.

Wonderful link DonW! Thank you.

I saw on a local site a cool new suspended midge fly called "Purple Pandemic" All proceeds donated to a local medical effort.

Newfydog,
A picture or description of the “purple pandemic” fly would be cool. If my job shuts down, I’ll probably get back to fly tying again.

Tim

Thanks, sounds worth messing around with. I still use the Y2K bug in the fall, this fly may joi it in my box.

Try some fly swaps!

Snowshoe rabbit Hendrickson spinners. If the weather holds we should have the first good spring in a few years.

Nice work,all of them.

Thanks guys...My work schedule has been crazy this year, not much time for much else. Corona virus pandemics may change that, though...

I kid you not....a corona virus fly.





https://youtu.be/xXRpp8OsuW4

I picked up the micro spines from Flymen. They have a starter pack that comes with the tail shanks (smaller than the standard tail shanks), 6mm and 8 mm.

I used a tail, three 6mm, two 8mm, and a size 6 Kona BGH hook.