Goose shoulder feathers, mainly utilized for married wings on salmon flies, also find application in some traditional wet flies. They are sourced from the secondary flight feathers atop a goose’s wings, distinct from the primary flight feathers located closer to the wing’s end, also known as “pointers.” Dyeing these medium-sized feathers enables customization for various uses in fly tying, particularly favored by salmon tiers due to their versatility.
The selection of feathers plays a pivotal role in the art of fly tying. Take, for instance, the Goose shoulder feather—a choice not solely rooted in tradition but prized for its practical benefits. Its variable lengths accommodate different fly sizes; longer fibers suit larger flies, while shorter sections are apt for average-sized ones. Consequently, Goose shoulder feathers emerge as a dependable material, especially in crafting intricate married wings.
« Back to Glossary Index