Fly Tying: Partridge and Orange soft hackle

In this fly tying tutorial, I share another version of the venerable "Partridge and Orange," one of my favorite soft hackle flies. This is a traditional pattern that continues to have a place in many of our fly boxes, and for good reason. Prior to this video, I participated in a wet fly swap, and decided on this pattern to share. This fly can represent various insects, most notably caddis and sulphur flies. I prefer to fish the fly in the surface film, though I go over other techniques in the video. If you tie this pattern in other variations, please consider sharing those on this KZbin page.
Thanks for viewing this KZbin fly tying tutorial, and I encourage you to view my additional videos at the following website: www.troutandfeather.com
Feel free to leave any questions/comments on this KZbin page, or you can email me: [e-mail]

[@geraldg7420]

Always enjoy your presentations. I'm a big fan of the north country spider patterns. Since the partridge is so fragile, I usually tie the collar in wood duck or guinea, which also has excellent markings. Thanks, Tim

[@TimCammisa]

You got it, Gerald, and thanks for sharing that information! I hope all is well, and if you're on Facebook or Instagram, let me know, as I'd love to see some of your North Country patterns. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@wallystephens4448]

I enjoyed learning about partridge and orange it was shown to me on the the south fork of snake by cottonwood take out. Now I know what they were talking about. Thanks for a great presentations. Wally Stephens

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, Wally; this is a great pattern that works in a variety of situations. TC

[@louischampan3880]

Thanks Tim for answering my question, much appreciate it.

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Louis, and let me know if there's ever any additional questions or thoughts. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@robertyetsko80]

GREAT VIDEO VERY CONCISE INSTRUCTION THANKS TIM

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks so much, Robert, it's appreciated! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@marksleeper3752]

nice looking fly Tim

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Mark; it's been a good one for me over the years. Thanks for the comments and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@CWO4D]

Hey Tim I did a variation of the fly and used a bead head to reside below the surface as my top fly... Thanks for the video

[@TimCammisa]

+CWO4D That's a smart idea, and I can't say I have fished this particular soft hackle with a bead. I have fished many others with a bead (i.e. bead head soft hackle hare's ear), and am curious how this one would work. Be sure to keep me updated on how it fishes, Denver! Thanks for taking a moment to mention your variation. Tim

[@kristinawashington1773]

Wonderful video! Thanks lots. 💖

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Kristina; glad you enjoyed! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@lonesomeacestringband]

Thank you...very good video!

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Chris, and thanks for the kind words. Tim

[@joetheauthor6639]

These classic soft hackle flies have become my "go to" flies over the last couple of years. If you haven't used them, you should give them a try. Especially valuable during those crazy caddis emergences, when you can't quite figure out what's happening. Usually, the partridge & green will work when fished down and across. I generally put a micro shot about two feet above the fly, just to get it down enough so that when it swings, it appears to be an emerging caddis. Good luck!

[@TimCammisa]

Great tips for everyone, Joe; thanks for sharing! TC

[@mmonkman1]

Rev. Nice to see this old English pattern is so [popular in the States

[@TimCammisa]

+Margaret Monkman It's a great one for sure! TC

[@Homegrownherbs]

Thanks, my dad and I this summer are going to try fishing for trout in the chagrin river and I've never caught trout before

[@TimCammisa]

Good luck with catching your first trout, Jakob! If you have any additional questions, let me know. TC

[@CWO4D]

I'll make a few using your pattern style... I can see this pattern working on my waters

[@TimCammisa]

+CWO4D It's a killer, and has been for longer than my time! TC

[@donalwhelan2242]

Nicely tied as always.I use Spanflex instead of silk sometimes.If it came in a Claret colour that would be a bonus.

[@TimCammisa]

Great suggestion, Donal, and I appreciate the comment. Thanks for sharing it with us, and I hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim

[@seanmooney3907]

I did get some of that veniards varnish. I don't have that silk. I usually just use orange, yellow, or purple thread and varnish before adding the hackle. I have never added a thorax though it looked good. Still looking for the Stonfo hackle plier though. All the best, Sean

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment on the varnish, Sean; it does help if you want the feathers splayed out. Try eBay for those pliers b/c that seems to be the main place I have found them. Tim

[@seanmooney3907]

Thanks Tim just bought a pair. Never thought about ebay. All the best, Sean

[@geraldg7420]

Great tie, Tim. Top five "must" in my box. I use guinea fowl for the collar, silk floss for the body. Coating the floss with head cement retains the color when wet. In no way are my variations on tradition critical of this video. I feel slight changes put my stamp on some flies and make them a bit more special to me. Thanks again!

[@TimCammisa]

Another comment of yours talking about guinea, Gerald; I better start tying with some this morning! ;-) Thanks again for the comments, and I know exactly what you mean about putting your own "stamp" on the flies. Tim

[@danawilliams2113]

Tim, thanks for the video. Just moved to the east coast in Jan and have fallen in love with swinging wets just this spring. Just started tying partridge and orange and look forward to trying your version. Question - It seems like a hassle to change the thread - why can't you use the orange silk (haven't tried silk yet) all the way thru - I think you mentioned bulk. Is silk bulkier? Also, how critical is silk thread with these soft hackle type flies. I know it is traditional but for effectiveness is it super important?

[@Homegrownherbs]

Hey tim what can I email you at

[@Homegrownherbs]

Hey Tim can you recommend so easier to tie beginner fly patterns please

[@TimCammisa]

Absolutely, Jakob; I would recommend starting with a streamer to begin with. I have a video titled "Fly Tying: Woolly Bugger (Peacock Body)." That is a highly effective fly that is geared more towards beginners. Feel free to email me and I can get you additional suggestions. Good luck! Tim

[@Homegrownherbs]

Never mind

[@brooktroutangler5917]

Success with this pattern for Steelhead?

[@TimCammisa]

Brooktrout Angler, I typically fish this for trout during caddis and sulfur hatches, so I can't answer that question. Perhaps someone else will answer your comment on here related to steelhead. TC

[@brooktroutangler5917]

Thanks Tim

[@3august3]

BASHLINE'S OR NEMES GAELIC WET FLY HOOKS? WANT TO TIE ON HEAVIER HOOKS, GONNA ORDER SOME

[@TimCammisa]

The hooks are Nemes Gaelic Supreme; if you need a specific website or email, let me know and I can find that information for you. TC

[@austindemarrow329]

Hello Tim, do you think that you could tie a Dave's Hopper? There really isn't a good video on the internet and I feel that you could really do it a justice. I need a bit of help, and it would be greatly appreciated to see you give it a go. ~Austin~

[@TimCammisa]

Austin, thanks for the heads-up. I actually thought there was one out there through theweeklyfly.com. If you're able to find that one, let me know what you think about it and we can go from there. Tim

[@austindemarrow329]

Yup! Thanks I found it. That was the first I had ever been on that website so thank you for the introduction. Can't wait to try it out in a few months here in Michigan. Thanks again ~Austin~

[@TimCammisa]

Austin DeMarrow You got it, Austin. I plan on being in Michigan in June for the Hex; do you fish that hatch @ all? Tim

[@harleymandk]

the fly is used in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKakmp19h9tlmJo

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for linking that! Also, feel free to shoot me an email ([e-mail]) and I'll add you to my email updates for more tips; thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@patrickbrennan20]

It may have some orange and it may have some partridge but not so much of traditional.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Patrick...and the fish don't seem to mind. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@onthedry8386]

@@TimCammisa i think its the best fly in the box it never fails ...great vid by the way

[@jameshughes9234]

You only need two passes of thread, believe me that's so far away. Also what's with the rib and dubbing not needed.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, James, and in the body, there are two passes of thread, yet more in the thorax to help create a thorax. The ribbing in this pattern is twofold; protection of the silk and to create a slight glimmer in the water. The dubbing is to encourage the fibers away from the body, to help them swim. This has been a great pattern for me over the years; thanks for checking! Tim www.troutandfeather.com