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The pattern notebook · streamer

Chocklett's Feather Changer

How do you tie a Chocklett's Feather Changer?

Chocklett's Feather Changer is a streamer fly pattern for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Panfish. Find its 10 materials and 10 tying steps below.

A feather-based articulated baitfish that builds each segment from soft feathers rather than chenille or synthetic body wrap.

Difficulty
4 of 5
Target species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Panfish
Pattern designer
Blane Chocklett

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Hook: Stinger or streamer hook, size 2 to 6
  • Weight: Lead wire on the hook shank to keel the fly correctly
  • Articulation: Fish-Skull Next Generation Shanks or micro articulated shanks
  • Thread: 70 or 140 denier, color to match
  • Tail: Marabou tips or soft hackle fibers
  • Body: Hen saddle, schlappen, soft hackle or other webby feathers
  • Flash: Flashabou or Krystal Flash, sparse
  • Optional filler: Cactus chenille or a small dubbing brush for support
  • Eyes: Tab eyes, jungle-cock-style eyes or 3D stick-on eyes
  • Adhesive: Super glue and UV resin

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure the wide-gape front hook in the vise, start the thread behind the eye and lay a firm base on the hook shank.

  2. Glue a short lead-wire keel weight onto the hook shank, cover it with thread wraps and set the hook aside so the glue can begin to set.

  3. Build or connect the rear shank system, then tie in a short marabou or soft hackle tail.

  4. Add sparse flash along the sides of the tail.

  5. Tie in a soft feather by the tip and palmer it forward, sweeping fibers back as you wrap.

  6. Tie off the feather, whip finish and secure the section with a small drop of glue.

  7. Move to the next shank and repeat with slightly longer or fuller feathers to build taper toward the hook.

  8. Use a small amount of cactus chenille or brush only if a segment needs support.

  9. Return to the weighted hook after the glue has set and build the front section with the fullest feather collar.

  10. Trim only stray fibers, add eyes if desired and secure the head with UV resin.

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