Diffusion Hackling is not hackling in
the traditional sense-winding a material like a feather around
a hook or a parachute post to produce legs and/or wings. Rather,
Diffusion Hackling splays (or diffuses) materials to achieve
similar (and in some cases, much better) effects.  Originally,
this technique was a European method for "parachuting"
deer hair that was shown to my father and me by Charles Jardine.
After some experimentation with a wide variety of materials,
I termed it "Diffusion Hackling."Here's how it works:
For flies like a caddis adult, for example, tie in a parachute-style
post of almost any material at the rear of the thoracic region
(the post could be foam, deer hair, chenille, poly yarn, Z-lon,
or whatever). Do NOT reinforce the base of the post with thread.
This is Post #1 (Figure 1), and it will make the top of the
thorax.Then, tie in another post of fibrous material DIRECTLY
in front of the first post (this material will make the "hackle").
By directly, I mean the posts should be right up against each
other. This second post is Post #2 (Figure 2). Ideally, Post
#2 should be the same length as the legs and/or outspread wings
of the insect. This is especially pertinent when working with
materials that you wouldn't want to cut to length after tying
them in (like deer hair tips). If you want a thorax, dub it
or wind it on now.
With
me so far? Okay then, here it comes. To make the hackle, pull
Post #1 forward through Post #2. Post #2 will (or should) diffuse
out to both sides, creating a flat hackle (Figure 3). Using
a fibrous material for Post #1 may require that you twist the
post BEFORE pulling it forward. The twisting makes Post #1 relatively
solid, thus preventing materials in Post #2 from slipping through
it. In addition, using softer materials for Post #2 may require
that you render some assistance to get a good diffusion. Here,
you can tie Post #1 down just behind the hook eye, being sure
not to trap any material from Post #2. I typically clip post
#1 so the end extends over the hook eye.
Diffusion Hackling can be used for a huge array of flies in
a
 huge
array of sizes and styles. Because of its versatility, I consider
Diffusion Hackling to be a "must-have" technique.
Give it a try the next time you're at the tying table.
Jason Borger is Fly Fish America's
Techniques Editor. He was the "Shadow Caster" in Robert
Redford's movie, A River Runs Through It.
|
