Fly Tying Saddles

Fly tying saddles for dry flies, streamers and salmon flies

Fly tying saddles are an important material for tying dry flies, streamers, salmon flies and saltwater flies. Their main advantage is the length of the feathers, which makes them suitable for hackles and wings, also in larger fly patterns.

Depending on the type, saddles can vary in feather length, stiffness and structure. This makes it easier to choose the right material for the pattern, the intended use and the effect you want to achieve.

What fly tying saddles are used for

One of the main uses of saddles is tying hackles on dry flies. Properly selected feathers, especially from genetic rooster saddles, make it possible to tie neat, even hackles, also in patterns where the hackle is wound along a large part of the hook shank.

Saddles are also widely used for streamers. In this case, fly tiers use feathers from both rooster and hen saddles. Feathers from hen saddles are also commonly chosen for hackles in salmon flies.

How to choose saddles for a fly pattern

For dry flies, fly tiers usually choose feathers from recognised genetic lines. Saddles of this type are commonly described as Dry Fly Saddles. These saddles contain feathers suitable for dry flies, but also for some streamer patterns.

For streamers and some larger flies, you can use feathers from both more affordable and higher-grade saddles, including narrower and stiffer feathers as well as broader ones.

If you are mainly looking for feathers for dry flies, it is also worth checking cock saddles. When choosing saddles, it is worth looking at feather length, stiffness, width and intended use. Not every saddle is equally suitable for dry flies, streamer wings or salmon fly patterns.

Natural and dyed saddles

This category includes saddles in natural and dyed colours, selected for specific fly patterns. Colour matters both in classic dry flies and in streamers, salmon flies and saltwater flies.

Among natural colours, grizzly and brown are among the most popular choices for dry flies. Other colours are also useful in many fly patterns.

FAQ

What are fly tying saddles used for?

Fly tying saddles are mainly used for dry flies, streamers, salmon flies and saltwater flies.

Are saddles suitable for dry fly hackles?

Yes, especially good quality feathers from genetic saddles intended for dry flies.

Can saddles be used for streamer wings?

Yes. Long saddle feathers work very well for tying streamer wings, including in larger fly patterns.