The wet fly wing isn't that hard to master, but it does take practice.

With the wing, it is best to use non waxed thread. This will keep the wings from rolling over on top and splitting the fibers.

Place your wings proportionate and pinch them together on the forward portion of the hook shank. Bring the thread up through your thumb and facing wing. Make a soft loop over the top leaving about 1/8 inch of free thread and then back down through the aft wing and index finger. Do not tighten thread at this point. Bring the thread up and through the leading side again. This time, hold the bobbing straight over the fly and slowing tighten the loop by pulling up. Do not remove your "pinch" until wing is set.

Hope this makes sense to you.. It is a good method to learn- especially if you branch off to Steelie or Atlantic Salmon patterns.

If you're still having problems setting the wing, don't give up. Keep practicing...

A good material to substitute and speed things up: gray partridge. Just bunch a few fibers together, line up out the tips and tie on top.

Other than soft hackles, you'll be pressed to find many folks who still use a standard wet fly. Keep a few in your fly box for hard fished waters. It gives the fish something different to look at... One of the best days I ever had was at Rocky Ford with a Royal Coachman!