SoftHackles.blog is a light, easy to read blog about wet fly patterns.
Being something of a minimalist, I appreciate the often understated nature of these patterns. I also love the sense of history and tradition that surrounds them. I find it fascinating that you can fish a pattern today that has existed for hundreds of years and still catch fish with them. It is amazing to think that if they were alive today, an angler from that period in history would likely recognise and be able to name the wet flies on your cast.
This is my blog and I hope you enjoy it.
SoftHackles 
Hi there,
I’ve recently stumbled upon your blog and am quite chuffed to have found it!
This blog is great work & I thoroughly enjoy the content – I’ve started copying some of the patterns you’ve tied, for use on the Assynt lochs. I’m convinced they’ll do well.
Thank you for this collection of contemplations.
Cheers,
Gavin
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Hi Gavin,
Thank you for your kind comments and I’m delighted that you enjoy the blog and have found some inspiration within it!
Please do let me know how you get on fishing the Assynt lochs, it is always fascinating to learn how patterns ‘travel’ and how they are sometimes adapted locally to suit individual areas of the country, and indeed even to individual lochs.
Thanks again, I wish you all the very best for the new season ahead. Tight lines in 2025!
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Hi there,
thank you very much for your kind reply!
I’ll gladly report back on how the patterns worked in Assynt and, if so, how they where supplemented.
There’s quite a few good lochs up in the hills I intend to visit and pay the trout my respects.
Additionally I shall take a few soft hackles with me to the Sesia valley in Piedmont and try them out there.
By chance I found out there’s an old tradition for soft-hackles in Valsesia, although they tie them more akin to Japanese Kebari flies.
All the best for the season & tight lines!
Gavin
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