Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.
This specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.
Martinlf on Jul 5, 2008July 5th, 2008, 6:02 am EDT
Well marked cree necks are scarce as hen's teeth, but Flyfisher's Paradise in State College has them sometimes, typically at the beginning of the year. You might call Steve (814-234-4189)and see if he will take a standing order and contact you if and when when he gets one in. If you contact Keough Hackle
you may be able to get a tyer's grade cree neck. I bought a tyer's grade Cree some years ago directly from them that doesn't have as much black in it as I'd like, but has beautiful browns and whites. I don't have any idea what may be available now, though.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
As Louis said they are pretty rare. Another source might be Collins Hackle Farm or Bob's hackle farm both are easily found via google both are old school hackle breeders that sell quality stuff. Collins actually sells the saddle and neck from the same bird for about the price of a Whiting Silver what a deal.
JW
"old habits are hard to kill once you have gray in your beard" -Old Red Barn
In my opinion you should never buy any neck, wet fly or dry fly, without first seeing it. There was a time I used to take a chance and buy necks sight unseen through the mail and virtually every purchase was a disappointment. I would rather drive fifty miles to a reputable fly materials shop to sort through all the necks than have the owner select it for you and then mail it.
Wiflyfisher on Jul 5, 2008July 5th, 2008, 11:02 am EDT
Jim Slattery has some fantastic necks and skins, including cree. He also is the owner of Campfire Lodge & Resort in West Yellowstone. You can call him to see if he has any left and discuss it with him.
I'll put my money on Jim I have bought some skins from Jim and they were everything he said they would be. I believe Jim is on this forum http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeromain?id=8
John
They fasten red (crimson red) wool around a hook, and fix onto the wool two feathers which grow under a cock’s wattles, and which in colour are like wax.
Radcliffe's Fishing from the Earliest Times,
Troutbum13 on Sep 8, 2008September 8th, 2008, 3:07 am EDT
My pick would be Collin's Hackle. Good stuff! He has a genetic line of chickens from Harry Darbee,Andy Miner and Dick Bitner. Super nice flex,wrap twist free! Charlie is very smart when it comes to his birds {I'm sure he is smart in other areas also,lol}. Let him know what you are looking for and he will pick out something nice!