Whiting American Hackle Whole Saddle

The mission of Whiting Farms, from its inception in 1989, is to become the provider of the highest quality fly tying feathers for the tiers of the world.

Dry fly hackle was the initial focus of the company, and today Whiting Farms produces an array of the highest quality dry fly hackle. In the early 1990's numerous fly tiers suggested to Dr. Tom Whiting, president and founder of Whiting Farms, Inc., that what was also needed was a high quality wet fly hackle. In pursuit of just such a genetic wet fly hackle Dr. Whiting set about investigating what specific feather characteristics were needed and desired by' tiers. Once a clear idea was formulated of what constituted high quality wet fly hackle, numerous breeds and varieties of poultry were examined to find the best foundation stock with which to begin a breeding program. Coincidentally the breed of chicken that was determined to have the greatest potential was a particular favorite of Tom Whiting's which he had raised as a boy while growing up outside of Denver, Colorado. In 1993 1,000 chicks of this special breed were obtained and the genetic program began. It took 5 generations of intense genetic selection to initially mold this stock into what could be called genetic wet fly hackle. Applying what had been learned from dry fly hackle breeding the wet fly hackle breeding program progressed rapidly thereafter.

Specifically what is being bred for, which is what the wet fly tiers have articulated or shown to be what they want, are feathers which are:

• Broad

• Long

• Densely webbed

• Round tipped

• A firm, sturdy quill

In addition the capes are very heavily feathered, well washed, expertly dyed and professionally graded.

Fly tying is a creative process. To inspire addition il creativity several novel color patterns have be n genetically incorporated into the development of te Whiting American wet fly hackle. These laced and boldly marked feathers will surely inspire new fly patterns ad techniques.