Wapsi Elk Body Hair

Wapsi Elk Body Hair is a patch of wapiti body hair for dry-fly wings and caddis-style wing structures, including Elk Hair Caddis. The fibres are selected for a workable length and softness, allowing the tier to form controlled bundles on the hook.

Construction and use

Before tying, separate the usable hair from underfur and short fibres, then align the tips in a hair stacker. Tie in a bundle with the tips extending rearward, or use the hair for a wing whose butts will be trimmed and covered. Start with a few loose thread wraps and tighten them progressively to reduce hair rotation; trim the butts and bind the cut ends neatly with thread.

• Material: wapiti body hair with a practical tying length and softness.
• Form: a hair patch for selecting individual fibres or tying bundles.
• Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, dry flies and other hair-wing constructions.
• Preparation: remove underfur, align the tips and secure each bundle with controlled thread wraps.