material source.

[newsteelyman]

i am quickly realizing that to tie good steelhead flies, you need good materials. can anyone recommend a good source for materials in bc.
thanx guys,
Brian

[phearless]

The best way is to actually look at the material in hand.
I will very often carefully open bags and look at material to grade it.
Don't take the first bag on the hook. Look at as many as you can and select the one that suits your purpose.
If you don't see what you like, ask if there is any in the backroom you can look at.
The employees will soon figure out you only want quality materials.
It sounds like you need to start hunting!
The very best feathers are from wild birds.
The feathers are much more resilient and strong.
You have probably noticed I gather a lot of my own materials.

Always be on the lookout for good materials. It can become a bit of an obsession I check out every little shop everywhere I go. Trading can work.

The only other thing is, you generally get what you pay for. If a material is way cheaper at one place, look at it closely.

Mail order can work, but you have no control over what you get. If it isn't up to your standards, postage costs make it not worthwhile to return.

So basically find it where you find it. Just find it.
After awhile you eill develop your own little underground material supply chain.
That is when it gets good.

Good luck and good tying.