Rubber Leg Soft Hackle

Knotted pheasant legs have been added to soft hackle fly patterns for decades. The legs add an extra element of bugginess that can't be achieved with hackle and dubbing alone. The problem is knotted pheasant tail fibers are extremely delicate seldom remaining on the fly after a few fish are caught. In addition, the knotted legs are time-consuming to make. While the finished flies look incredible, the legs usually disappear from the fly after a fish or two because of their delicate nature. Enter the rubber leg soft hackle. Fine rubber or silicon legs can be added to just about any soft hackle for a little extra bugginess.

Materials List:

Hook: Standard wet fly hook sizes 8-14 (size ten used in the example)

Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread - 8/0 - rust

Tail: Fine grizzly marabou - tan/black (a tuft of hare’s mask fur works just as well)

Rib: Semperfli 1/32” Holo Tinsel - dark gold or tinsel of choice

Body: Natural hare’s ear dubbing

Legs: Micro Grizzly Flutter Legs - root beer

Thorax: Rabbit fur dubbing - orange

Hackle: Cock pheasant body feather or mottled brown hen feather

Tying tip: Add the silicon legs after the body and ribbing. The legs will flare out perpendicular to the body when tied in, but by adding them after the body, you can guide them into position as you dub the thorax. The dubbed thread helps sweep the legs back along the body instead of sticking out at 90 degrees.