Tying question

[JLG78]

One of my favorite flies is a Hemingway caddis. This pattern uses a quill wing. What is a good alternative to a quill wing? Its not hard to work with but usually gets destroyed after a few fish. Im looking for something more durable but has a simular look.
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[flygoddess]

Possibly Turkey Flank. On my Royal Coachman I coat the duck wing with SHHAN first. Sure someone will still this idea now and claim it as their own...LOL
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[JLG78]

Turkey flank? sounds delicious! Is that white meat or dark?[]

I'll look into that. I've seen tons of different synthetic stuff for wings too.. but just not sure what to try. I tied a couple with foam wings. I haven't tried them out yet but Im not to happy with them. foam seems to thick for such a delicate fly.
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[flygoddess]

I tried various synthetic like you. Thin foam could work, but not durable at all.
Thin coat of Sally Hansen makes it durable.
The fly you posted and the Coachman are wet flies, so foam might not help.
But, never know till you try.
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[JLG78]

Good point about the foam being counter productive for a wet fly... Like I said haven't tried those on the river yet. back to the drawing board...

Speaking of synthetic materials. Have you ever tried the synthetic hackle? I just came across it looking for wing ideas.
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[sinergy]

I tie a taped wing caddis thats similar to Hemingway caddis you could take the quill or mallard feather reinforce it by encapsulating the feather some clear tape, trim and tie in. That would give you the same look and some durability to the wing.
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[JLG78]

Sweet! Great idea!!!! That might do it. Thanks..
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