Smoky Mountain Blackbird Soft Hackle

[Leland Eaton]

Does anyone know what hook Mr Hartsell used to tie these? I know what the rest of the recipe was.

[Stana Claus]

The recipe I got from Mr. Hartsell once upon a time calls for a #14 scud hook. It works for me.

[xvigauge]

So what is the recipe for those of us who may not know?
Joe

[JHS]

Here is the information I had saved last year from SouthernFlyAngler.com on Hartsell's Blackbird pattern. I have tied the pattern this year but have not had an opportunity to fished with it.
"KYratchethead:
Here is the pattern for the original Smoky Mountain Blackbird as listed by L.J.DeCuir in his book Southeastern Flies.
* * Hook : Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, or 3-4X Streamer hook, Size 4 - 10.
* * Thread : Black.
* * Weight : Lead wire.
* * Tail : Barbules from the wing feather of a blackbird.
* * Body : Peac-ock herl.
* * Palmered Rib : Split wing feather of a blackbird.
Hugh Hartsell has indeed adapted the pattern into a soft-hackle pattern by substituting a blackbird body feather for the hackle, if I'm not mistaken, and it is indeed a great looking fly, which can be seen and purchased on his web site. *Please correct this information if it is wrong, Dr. Hartsell.

Hugh Hartsell:
Mr. K, the recipe that L.J. DeQuir gives for the Original *Smoky Mountain Blackbird pattern sounds right except for hook size. There is another fly called the Crow Fly that is tied the same way except that the wing feather from a crow is used and it makes a bigger fly which would call for the hook sizes that he gives for the Blackbird. The size hooks for the Original Blackbird would be size#16- #12."

[flyman]

Starling hackle tied in the traditional Flymph method. Hugh's fly and the original Blackbird are two different animals. Do a search for Smoky Mt Blackbird Soft Hackle Hugh Hartsell for a photo. Different hook, hackle, body material, wire rib etc.

[GinsengMan]

Good morning fellows, here is the recipe that I use most of the time for the Smoky Mountain Blackbird SoftHackle.
Thread: Unithread 8/0 Black
Hook: TMC 2457 #12-16
Weight: .015 Leadfree Wire 15-18 wraps--depending on hook size
Ribbing: UltraWire Brassy Red or Green
Body: Wapsi Superbrite Black Dubbing or Black Hares Mask Dubbing
Hackle: Starling Shoulder feather tied in behind hookeye, wrapped 3 times

I wish you great success on the water.

GinsengMan
Hugh Hartsell

[Leland Eaton]

Thank you, Gentlemen
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