Truly one of the best patterns ever!
There are a few ways to get the hackle to lay back easy. First way is probably the quickest way. The left side of the rump has more curving fibers for the right handed tyer. Measure the fiber before tying... I like one one hook gap length past the bend. Hold the shiny side towards you and pluck the left sode of the fibers off the stem. Tie in the stem by the tip over the eye first, then double back. This will lock the stem in. Hold the stem straight up 90 degress to the shank. As you wrap the stem, stroke the fibers back. This will make a nice even look to the fibers. The other way is simply following the same directions above, but pick a rump feather from the center section. Do not strip any fibers. Then before wrapping, stroke the fibers back until they hold over. Wrap the collar forward.
The color combination are limitless... I like dark collar over a burnt orange seal body for steelies....
As far as lakes, an intermediate line should be fine early morning or late day. However this will depend on the lake. Some of my favorite combo are a chartreuse thread body or a peacock colored material called Short Flash which is a very fine estaz. I sometime add a marabou or artic fox tail...
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"If you are not scratchin bottom, you ain't fishing deep enough!" -DR
Puget Sound Anglers, Gig Harbor Chapter