What types of trout flies do you sell?

Drift Outfitters carries a complete selection of trout flies for every fishing situation — including dry flies, nymphs, streamers, and emergers. Whether you’re matching the hatch on small creeks or targeting big trout on lakes, our curated collection covers all water types and seasons.

How do I choose the right trout fly for the conditions?

The best fly depends on what trout are feeding on and where you’re fishing. Use dry flies for surface feeders, nymphs for subsurface drifts, and streamers to imitate baitfish or leeches. Pay attention to water clarity, insect activity, and local hatch charts to make the right choice.

Are your trout flies tied locally or commercially?

We stock a mix of locally tied and premium commercial flies from trusted tiers and suppliers. Each pattern is hand-tied to Drift Outfitters’ quality standards using strong hooks and durable materials for reliable performance on the water.

Which brands of trout flies do you carry?

We carry flies from RIO, Fulling Mill, Rainy’s, MFC, and Drift Outfitters’ own custom patterns. These brands are known for precision tying, realistic profiles, and durable materials that hold up to multiple fish.

What sizes of trout flies are available?

Our trout fly selection includes a wide range of sizes — from small #20 midges and emergers to large streamers. We carry classic patterns as well as modern designs to suit both delicate presentations and aggressive patterns.

How should I store my trout flies?

Keep your flies organized in a fly box. After fishing, let wet flies dry before storing to prevent rust and material damage. Proper storage keeps your flies sharp, dry, and ready for your next trip.

Cul de Canard feathers from ducks—naturally buoyant and ideal for dry flies.

Which brands supply quality feathers?

Whiting Farms, Hareline, Wapsi, and Veniard are trusted brands.

Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail - 5 Inch Section

Q: What are fly tying feathers used for?

To create wings, tails, hackles, and bodies that add movement and realism to flies.

Q: What types of feathers are used in fly tying?

Rooster, hen, marabou, CDC, pheasant, partridge, mallard, and peacock feathers.

Q: What’s the difference between rooster and hen hackle?

Rooster hackle is stiff for dry flies; hen hackle is soft for wets and nymphs.

$11.00

$11.00 ~~$9.95~~

Sale

Sold out

In stock, ready to ship
Inventory on the way

Color: Royal Blue

Natural

Royal Blue

Pink

Orange

Purple

Blue

Peacock Blue

Cerise

Chartreuse

Product variants

Quantity

Free Shipping for orders $200+ (Excludes oversize and consignment items)

Refund available within 30 days, exchange until 90 days.

Product Description

Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail – 5 Inch Section – Exotic natural feather for wings, tails, and accents.

Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail is a traditional fly-tying material valued for its striking colours and natural barring. This 5-inch section provides premium fibers ideal for wings and tails on salmon, steelhead, and classic wet flies, as well as for decorative accents on modern streamer and attractor patterns. The fine, durable fibers tie in easily and add unique texture and contrast that fish find irresistible. Long prized by tiers for its beauty and versatility, Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail remains a staple for both traditional and contemporary fly designs. A small section goes a long way, offering plenty of material for multiple flies. Shop online or visit Drift Outfitters in Toronto for expert advice and fast shipping across Canada.

Due to import restrictions, this item will not ship outside of Canada.

Q: What are fly tying feathers used for?
A: Feathers are one of the most versatile and essential materials in fly tying. They’re used to create wings, tails, hackle collars, and bodies that give flies movement, shape, and lifelike appearance. From delicate dry flies to large streamers, feathers bring natural action and realism to your patterns.

Q: What types of feathers are used in fly tying?
A: Common feather types include hackle (rooster and hen), marabou, CDC (Cul de Canard), pheasant tail, partridge, mallard, peacock, and turkey. Each has unique qualities that suit different fly styles and techniques.

Q: What’s the difference between rooster and hen hackle?
A: Rooster hackle has long, stiff fibers ideal for dry fly collars and hackles that keep flies floating. Hen hackle is softer with webbing that moves beautifully in the water, making it perfect for nymphs, wets, and soft hackle flies.

Q: What is CDC and why is it popular?
A: CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers come from near a duck’s preen gland and are naturally buoyant. They trap air and repel water, making them exceptional for dry flies and emergers.

Q: How do I prepare feathers for tying?
A: Strip or trim excess fibers from the stem, align the tips, and secure them with thread or a feather clamp. For soft hackle patterns, you can also preen the fibers backward before wrapping to ensure a clean collar.

Q: Are natural feathers better than synthetic substitutes?
A: Natural feathers offer unmatched movement, texture, and appearance. However, synthetics are durable, consistent, and often more affordable. Many modern tiers use both depending on the pattern.

Q: Where do fly tying feathers come from?
A: Feathers are sourced ethically from domestic birds or game species. Top suppliers like Whiting Farms, Hareline, Wapsi, and Veniard maintain high standards for sustainability and quality.

Q: Why carry fly tying feathers at Drift Outfitters?
A: Because feathers are the heart of traditional and modern fly tying. Drift Outfitters carries a curated selection of premium natural and dyed feathers for every style — from delicate dries to full-bodied streamers.

Fly Tying Feathers FAQ

Q: What are fly tying feathers used for?
A: Feathers are one of the most versatile and essential materials in fly tying. They’re used to create wings, tails, hackle collars, and bodies that give flies movement, shape, and lifelike appearance. From delicate dry flies to large streamers, feathers bring natural action and realism to your patterns.

Q: What types of feathers are used in fly tying?
A: Common feather types include hackle (rooster and hen), marabou, CDC (Cul de Canard), pheasant tail, partridge, mallard, peacock, and turkey. Each has unique qualities that suit different fly styles and techniques.

Q: What’s the difference between rooster and hen hackle?
A: Rooster hackle has long, stiff fibers ideal for dry fly collars and hackles that keep flies floating. Hen hackle is softer with webbing that moves beautifully in the water, making it perfect for nymphs, wets, and soft hackle flies.

Q: What is CDC and why is it popular?
A: CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers come from near a duck’s preen gland and are naturally buoyant. They trap air and repel water, making them exceptional for dry flies and emergers.

Q: How do I prepare feathers for tying?
A: Strip or trim excess fibers from the stem, align the tips, and secure them with thread or a feather clamp. For soft hackle patterns, you can also preen the fibers backward before wrapping to ensure a clean collar.

Q: Are natural feathers better than synthetic substitutes?
A: Natural feathers offer unmatched movement, texture, and appearance. However, synthetics are durable, consistent, and often more affordable. Many modern tiers use both depending on the pattern.

Q: Where do fly tying feathers come from?
A: Feathers are sourced ethically from domestic birds or game species. Top suppliers like Whiting Farms, Hareline, Wapsi, and Veniard maintain high standards for sustainability and quality.

Q: Why carry fly tying feathers at Drift Outfitters?
A: Because feathers are the heart of traditional and modern fly tying. Drift Outfitters carries a curated selection of premium natural and dyed feathers for every style — from delicate dries to full-bodied streamers.