Spey and Dee flies demand a unique type of feather to create their swept back profiles and flowing movement in swift water. Initially “Spey Cock” feathers from special roosters of the Spey River Valley in Scotland from which both fly and chicken derived their name, provided ideal feathers to tie Spey and Dee flies. But the already obscure Spey Cock stock dwindled into oblivion in the early 20th century, or at least their numbers became insufficient to perpetuate this specific line of fowl. Furthermore, the use of feathers from various European and Asian heron species came into vogue in Spey, Dee and other salmon flies, de-emphasizing the use of Spey Cock feathers which also contributed to their demise.
With the advent of legal protection of heron species, especially in North America, the search for suitable substitutes for heron feathers led to a number of other species and types of feathers being tried. Particular heron substitutes have included rooster schlappen and coque feathers, Ring-Necked Pheasant and Blue Eared Pheasant “rump” saddle feathers, bleached goose shoulder and various duck flank feathers. All these substitues have been used with varying success and are in themselves a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Spey fly tiers. But what worked best; Spey Cock and Heron, was what was actually sought, not the substitute.
Instigating a number of genetic avenues, development proceeded towards a “genetic” Spey Hackle, which then became available after about 5 years of initial selection work. Feather characteristics sought included long, substantial barbs, absence of any webbing between the barbs, non brittleness of the entire feather and excellent density for good value. In addition to a pure white, which is deal for dying, an array of other color and pattern genes were incorporated into this “genetic” Spey hackle stock. Thus new and unusual feather colors and patterns would be available to encourage the inherent creativity of fly tiers. A wide range of feather sizes will also be available from these “genetic” Spey hackle chicken, thus allowing an even wider range of fly sizes to be tied.
