Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail

[vanislealoha]

Just bought some Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail and am looking for tips on how to use it. Can it be stripped as the quill is very thick and stiff? Or do you cut off from the stem and tie it in. I tried a search but could not really find anythin on this yet.

I want to use it as a collar at the back of the fly and front.

[rmpearson12]

I cut it of and tie in one piece at a time. I use it on a fly I made up last year for steelhead.
Here is what I did with it:
http://www.flyfishbc.com/photopost/s....php/photo/754

Ross

[RustyBomber]

If you use a thread that can be split into two stands, multiple fibres can be placed in between. This way you can create a collar effect without having to tie in each amherst fibre seperately, therefore creating less bulky thread wraps. I have used amherst on muddlers as well with great results.

[phearless]

If the feather is just right, you can split it.
Soak in warm water for at least half an hour.
Split the same way as Rhea.
Much tougher feather though.
Sometimes I have re split them afterwords clamping one end in my vise.
If it doesn't work out you can still tie in individual strands.
An alternate method with less bulk is to use two soft loops. Slowly tighten as you use your free hand to rotate the strands evenly around the fly.

I do this with all my Amherst. Then store in Ziplocks.
10 ziplocks in one ziplock.
Much easier to handle and safe from bugs.

Split thread as mentioned.
Dubbing loop.
Pre-made wire brushes.
Mots of methods.

Have fun.
Amherst looks great on the bugs.