Peacock herl and a tiny iridescent starling hackle — the small dark soft-hackle for smutting fish. When trout are on little black stuff and refusing everything, a size 18 Starling & Herl swung or dead-drifted in the film is the old, quiet answer.
1. Thread — Attach black thread and wrap to the bend.
2. Body — Tie in 1–2 peacock herls, twist with the thread for durability, and wrap a full body over the rear two-thirds.
3. Hackle — Tie in a small starling body feather by the tip — they are fragile, handle gently. Wind 1–1.5 turns, sweep back, secure.
4. Head — Small head, whip finish, cement.
hook
thread
body
hackle
Chironomidae spp.
