Spey and Dee flies demand a unique type of
feather to create their swept back profiles and flowing movement in
swift water. Initially “Spey Cock” feathers from special roosters of the
Spey River Valley in Scotland from which both fly and chicken derived
their name, provided ideal feathers to tie Spey and Dee flies. But the
already obscure Spey Cock stock dwindled into oblivion in the early 20th
century, or at least their numbers became insufficient to perpetuate
this specific line of fowl. Furthermore, the use of feathers from
various European and Asian heron species came into vogue in Spey, Dee
and other salmon flies, de-emphasizing the use of Spey Cock feathers
which also contributed to their demise.
With the advent of legal
protection of heron species, especially in North America, the search for
suitable substitutes for heron feathers led to a number of other
species and types of feathers being tried. Particular heron substitutes
have included rooster schlappen and coque feathers, Ring-Necked Pheasant
and Blue Eared Pheasant “rump” saddle feathers, bleached goose shoulder
and various duck flank feathers. All these substitues have been used
with varying success and are in themselves a testament to the ingenuity
and creativity of Spey fly tiers. But what worked best; Spey Cock and
Heron, was what was actually sought, not the substitute.
Instigating a
number of genetic avenues, development proceeded towards a “genetic”
Spey Hackle, which then became available after about 5 years of initial
selection work. Feather characteristics sought included long,
substantial barbs, absence of any webbing between the barbs, non
brittleness of the entire feather and excellent density for good value.
In addition to a pure white, which is deal for dying, an array of other
color and pattern genes were incorporated into this “genetic” Spey
hackle stock. Thus new and unusual feather colors and patterns would be
available to encourage the inherent creativity of fly tiers. A wide
range of feather sizes will also be available from these “genetic” Spey
hackle chicken, thus allowing an even wider range of fly sizes to be
tied.

• With feathers over 6” long and the capability of tying 5/0 flies
  these Whiting Spey Saddles are a great alternative for the tier looking
  to replace Heron. Putting all their attributes together these Saddles
  are an extraordinary value