Fly-Tiers, Stylists Vye For Feathers

For devoted fly fishers, winter has traditionally been a time of quiet meditation at the fly-tying bench. But this year, a shortage of premium fly-tying feathers has left both hobbyist and professional tiers clucking over the latest trends to hit the fashion industry. Across America, jewelry-makers and hairstylists have been snatching up the premium chicken feathers used in standby trout-fly patterns such as the Parachute Adams and Elkhair Caddis, creating a sudden run on a market that’s ill-prepared for significant fluctuations of demand. “Supplies are just decimated,” said Jim Cox, co-owner of the Kingfisher fly shop in Missoula/ Joe Nickoll , Missoulian. More here . (AP/Lewiston Tribune file photo: Steve Hanks)

Question: Do you tie your own flies or fly fish?