Fly tiers often reach for goat hair when crafting salmon patterns and streamers, prizing its natural fibers that typically reach lengths of 4 inches. This material has gained a following for several unique qualities: its delicate yet lively movement underwater, straightforward handling at the vise, and consistent behavior during tying. Beginning tiers particularly appreciate that goat hair lies flat rather than splaying outward when secured. For smaller fly patterns, many tiers prefer it to bucktail, as its hollow fibers help maintain a true swimming action. The hair readily accepts dye treatments while keeping its appealing translucent quality, and stands up better to use than deer hair without clumping together. These properties have made it increasingly common in traditional Atlantic salmon flies and modern steelhead patterns. Whether used for wings, tails, or beards on wet flies, goat hair offers remarkable resilience and adaptability.
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