Soft Hackle Fly Patterns Are Much More Utilitarian
When it comes to the Lake Ontario tributaries, the focus shifts from the ornamental to the practical. The flies that work best here are more utilitarian in nature—simple, effective, and often unsophisticated in appearance. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of fishing alongside Art Pond, a seasoned angler who was legally blind. Despite his visual handicap, which kept him from driving, Art’s fishing prowess was unparalleled. His flies, tied with a lack of visual precision, often appeared to be the work of a child. Yet, Art consistently caught fish with them, teaching me an important lesson: Fancy, meticulously crafted flies are not always superior. It’s the effectiveness of the fly that counts.
While Art’s experience taught me that less-than-perfect flies could still produce exceptional results, I still have a fondness for the classic patterns, and over time, I’ve managed to carve out an excuse to tie them—specifically the classic steelhead flies. The truth is, there are certain times during the fishing season when these more intricate patterns are just what the fish want. In spring, when steelhead begin to exhibit their spawning behavior, larger and more elaborate fly patterns can prove to be highly effective. It’s during these times that I find it worthwhile to keep a selection of these classic patterns tucked in my vest.
The Charm and Effectiveness of Classic Patterns
After reading an insightful article on soft hackled patterns for steelhead—patterns inspired in part by classic designs—I decided to tie an entire box of them. They are a joy to behold, beautiful in their symmetry and the way they blend color, texture, and form. I’ve even had a couple of occasions where friends have asked me to photograph them, with a trout or steelhead caught in the process, just to capture their beauty in action. Yet, despite their aesthetic appeal, these flies aren’t just for show—they are also incredibly effective when targeting spawning steelhead. In the right conditions, they can be a game changer, proving that there’s still a place for the classics in the modern angling world.
Soft hackle fly patterns offer a unique combination of practicality and performance, making them a staple in the arsenal of many anglers. One of the primary advantages of these flies is their simplicity, both in design and in the time it takes to tie them. Unlike their more intricate counterparts, such as classic salmon flies that can take hours to craft, soft hackle flies are quick to tie and forgiving if lost. As much as I enjoy tying elaborate patterns like the Jock Scott for salmon, I’d certainly feel a pang of regret if I broke one off after all the time and effort spent on it. On the other hand, losing a soft hackle fly isn’t as disheartening, making it a practical choice for anglers who don’t want to stress over lost flies while fishing.
The Materials Behind Soft Hackle Patterns
The materials used for soft hackle flies are relatively simple, which adds to their appeal for both novice and experienced fly tiers. The most complex material in these patterns is often the Partridge Co. Synthetic Seal dubbing, which has a slight shine to it and reflects light effectively. This helps the fly capture attention in the water, even in low light conditions.
The hackle used in soft hackle flies is a saltwater neck hackle, known for being flexible, slightly webby, and soft—characteristics that give these flies their name. When tying a simple Spey pattern, you can strip the soft hackle from one side of the feather, providing a softer, less dense profile. For more traditional soft hackle patterns, you use the entire feather, creating a fuller, softer look that mimics the movement of aquatic insects or small baitfish.
For ribbing, soft hackle patterns typically use tinsels. While classic steelhead flies often incorporate expensive tin-foil type materials for ribbing, these are fragile and prone to breakage. I prefer the modern tinsels made from more durable, abrasion-resistant materials that better hold up in wet conditions. These newer tinsels also help the fly maintain its shape and structure during casting and while in the water, ensuring a longer-lasting fly.
Additionally, many soft hackle patterns incorporate tags made of floss or tinsel, but here again, modern materials perform better. They hold up well over time, making them a more practical option for fishing in a variety of conditions.
The Allure and Effectiveness of Soft Hackle Flies
What makes soft hackle fly patterns stand out is that they strike a perfect balance between simplicity and effectiveness. While they don’t boast the complex featherwork of classic patterns, they still hold a strong appeal due to their lifelike movement in the water and their versatility in catching a wide range of species, especially when fish are in spawning mode. Whether you’re targeting steelhead, trout, or even salmon, the soft hackle fly remains a go-to pattern for its ability to imitate a variety of prey, its ease of use, and its resilience in the water.
Fishing the Soft Hackle
Fishing the soft hackle fly for steelhead requires a thoughtful approach, especially during the spawning season when fish behavior is more predictable. The right setup and technique are key to success.
Begin with a seven-weight fly rod, which provides the ideal balance for managing long casts and handling strong steelhead. Pair this with a double-tapered fly line in an olive drab color to maintain subtlety, particularly in clear water conditions. This setup ensures precise control and natural presentations.
For your leader, use 8–10 feet of straight 10-pound test fluorocarbon. At the end of the leader, tie on a small black swivel, which helps minimize line twist and provides a convenient point for adding weight. From the swivel, attach a 4–6-pound test fluorocarbon tippet. Opt for the lighter 4-pound test in low and clear water to avoid spooking fish. Depending on the conditions, add just enough split-shot above the swivel to keep your fly drifting just off the bottom. In especially low water, the swivel’s weight may suffice without the need for additional split-shot.
When fishing the soft hackle fly, use a down-and-across presentation. Mend the line as needed to keep the fly moving broadside to the fish, ensuring they see the full profile of the fly. Spawning steelhead often react aggressively to the fly, perceiving it as an intruder near their nest. At times, strikes can feel like a hard hit, while at others, you might only sense the fly stopping as the fish takes it.
Much of this fishing is visual. Look for fish in shallow, gravelly areas or observe for signs of spawning activity. Aim to target males positioned below the nest rather than the spawning females. Cast to get the fly just behind any visible fish, letting it drift naturally into the strike zone. This approach not only increases your chances of a hookup but also minimizes disturbance to the spawning process.
The Riddle of Color
Steelhead fishing often feels like solving an unsolvable puzzle, and color is one of its most perplexing mysteries. My friend Jim Kelso put it best when he said, “Just when you think you’ve got these things figured out, you find out that you don’t have them figured out!” Color is a classic example of this. There have been days when certain fly colors seemed irresistible to steelhead under specific conditions, only for those same flies to completely fail under identical circumstances on another day. It defies logic.
Take the Smurf soft-hackle fly, for instance. Inspired by the idea that rainbows are drawn to smolt-blue or orange hues, I created this fly with high hopes. The first time I used it, on a sunny spring day, it was pure magic—the steelhead hit it relentlessly. Yet, every attempt to replicate that success on later trips fell flat. The Smurf, once the star of the show, became just another fly in the box.
This unpredictability underscores an important lesson: adaptability. In spring, when fish are visible or actively moving through productive runs, it’s vital to keep experimenting with colors. Don’t hesitate to switch patterns until you find the one that draws strikes. A trip last spring drove this point home for me. I cycled through multiple flies before discovering that black was the magic color of the day. Once I landed on the right shade, the action was non-stop until I finally packed up and headed home.
Even after finding the right color, steelhead can suddenly become finicky. When this happens, a simple adjustment—using the same pattern in a smaller size—can make all the difference. Downsizing can sometimes reawaken their interest, giving you an edge when the bite slows down.
Soft hackle fly patterns not only excel during spring steelhead runs but also serve as a gateway to the artistry of classic patterns. Their effectiveness, coupled with their elegance, makes them a joy to fish and tie. Whether you’re new to steelhead fishing or a seasoned angler, give these patterns a try. They might just surprise you with how often they crack the ever-changing code of steelhead behavior.
The Smurf – A Basic Soft Hackle Fly
The Smurf is a simple and effective soft-hackle fly that combines vibrant smolt-blue tones with clean, minimalistic construction. This fly has proven its worth, especially during bright spring days when steelhead are on the move. Here’s the foundational recipe to get started:
- Hook: Mustad 80500BL, Size 4–8
- Rib: Silver Tinsel
- Body: Smolt Blue Partridge SLF Dubbing
- Hackle: Smolt Blue Saddle Hackle
- Thread: 6/0 Black Unithread
Customizing the Smurf
One of the greatest aspects of this pattern is its versatility. You can modify it to suit different conditions or personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for customization:
- Use two hackle colors to create a layered effect that enhances the fly’s movement and appearance in the water.
- Combine two body colors, such as smolt blue and orange, for a dual-tone body that appeals to a wider range of fish.
- Add tinsel tags at the rear of the fly for an extra flash that can draw the attention of curious steelhead in murkier water.
These variations not only keep your fly box interesting but also provide a range of options to meet the unpredictable preferences of steelhead. Whether tied as described or with your own creative touches, the Smurf remains a reliable choice for enticing these elusive fish.
Black Spey – Basic Simple Spey Style Soft Hackle
The Black Spey is a minimalist yet highly effective soft-hackle fly designed to mimic the classic Spey style. Its subdued profile and subtle movements make it a go-to pattern for targeting steelhead, particularly in lower light or darker water conditions. Here’s the recipe:
- Hook: Mustad 80500BL, Size 4–8
- Rib: Silver Tinsel
- Body: Black Partridge SLF Dubbing
- Hackle: Black Saddle Hackle (strip fibers off one side for a sleeker, Spey-style profile)
- Thread: 6/0 Black Unithread
Tying Notes for the Black Spey
- Body Proportion: The body should cover only about half of the hook shank, leaving ample space for the Spey-style hackle to dominate the forward section of the fly.
- Hackle Technique: When tying the hackle, stripping fibers from one side of the feather creates a slim and elegant silhouette that enhances the fly’s action in the water.
- Tying Order: Secure the rib and dubbing, build up the body, then wrap the stripped hackle forward and secure it at the head.
This simple Spey-style soft hackle is a versatile addition to any fly box, particularly effective during the spring when steelhead are actively moving and feeding. Its understated elegance and lifelike movement make it a reliable choice in a variety of fishing conditions.
Original Article By Rob Streeter
About The Author
Rob Streeter enjoys fly fishing for many species, especially trout and salmon in the Lake Ontario tributaries. He is the outdoor columnist for the Albany Times Union and freelances for several publications. He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America. Get in touch with Rob at robstreeter.com.
