JAB's Schlappen Leech

Schlappen feathers are found between the saddle hackle and tail feathers of a rooster.  The webby fibers are ideal for salmon and steelhead patterns as well as many saltwater applications, but I have never seen other tiers use schlappen on trout patterns. However, I have found them to be of exceptional value for leech patterns due to their movement in the water.

While tied in the Carey Special style, the beauty of this pattern is with a few changes in color, thickness, shortening of the hackle or even leaving the tail off, you instantly have flies that represent damsels, dragons and baitfish.

The hackle makes the fly to appear bulky, but rest assured, this fly slims down considerably.

Materials

Hook:  Daiichi 1260 (or any curved 3xl nymph hook), sizes 4-12.  Weight to suit or bead

Thread:  6/0 or 8/0 color to match

Tail:  (Optional)  10 to 15 schlappen feather fibers depending on hook size.  Angel Hair highlights

Body:  Ice Dubbing (peacock black).  Can be anything tier desires.

Hackle (1):  Angel Hair

Hackle (2):   2 or 3 turns of schlappen

Step 1:

Pinch barb in vise.  Secure hook.  Start thread approximately one eye length behind eye.  Wind thread rearward to position pictured.

Step 2:

Select a thin stemmed metallic sheen schlappen feather with fibers slightly longer than the hook length.   Group approximately 15 fibers from the butt area, align tips  and remove from the  stem.   Measure fibers to a distance slightly longer then the body.  Tie in and advance thread forward and return.

Step 2a:

Tie in 5 or 6 fibers of Angel Hair to the near side of hook shank.

Step 2b:

Draw forward fibers to the opposite side of hook and secure with rearward wraps of thread.

Step 2c:

Cut Angel Hair at staggered lengths with a few extending past the schlappen fibers.  The first cut is made at approximately 3/4 of the length of tail.  Overall tail length is now approximately one hook shank.

Step 3:

Apply a sparse amount Ice Dubbing to thread to keep body thin.

Step 3a:

Wind dubbing forward to produce a thin body.  Don't worry about making a pretty body...

Step 3b:

Pick a little dubbing out.

Step 4:

Tie in approximately 12 to 15 fibers of peacock black Angel Hair to the top of the shank.  Spread fibers over the top 180-degrees.

Step 4a:

Repeat the above step for the underside of the hook.  You should have 360-degrees of coverage around hook.

Step 4b:

Gather all fibers and make staggered cuts length between the hook point and just past the bend of the hook.

Step 5:

Utilizing the same schlappen feather used for tail, tie by the tip end and concave side down.  Length of fibers should extend past hook bend.

Step 5a:

Lift feather straight up and stroke the fibers straight back (essentially doubling them).  I moistening the fibers first.  Make  2 or 3 wraps and secure.  Whip finish.

Step 5b:

Apply two coats of head cement.  Ensure first coat is completely dried before applying second.

Enjoy!