Fed’s Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag

Fed’s Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag

Fed’s Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag is a vibrant reinterpretation of the timeless Red Tag fly, combining classic design with a splash of colour and innovative materials to create a pattern that stands out on the water. Anglers familiar with the traditional Red Tag will appreciate how this version maintains its proven effectiveness while introducing visual flair that attracts a wider range of fish.

The fly features a bright rainbow bead head that adds shimmer and weight, enhancing both visibility and presentation in flowing water. The red polyyarn tail preserves the signature “tag” element of the original pattern while offering extra buoyancy and movement. The true highlight, however, is the malleefowl soft hackle, which adds delicate, lifelike motion to the fly, imitating the subtle flutter of aquatic insects.

Perfect for trout and other freshwater species, Fed’s Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag works well in rivers, streams, and still waters alike. Its combination of colour, movement, and classic design ensures it is both an eye-catching addition to your fly box and a highly effective tool on the water.

Whether you are a seasoned fly fisher or a beginner looking to experiment with patterns, this colourful take on the Red Tag is a must-try. Add Fed’s Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag to your collection and experience a fresh twist on a proven favourite.

Materials

  • Hook:Firehole Size 14 barbless.
  • Bead:Rainbow bead to match hook size.
  • Thread:Sheer Black 14/0.
  • Tail:Red Polyyarn.
  • Body:Dark Olive Ostrich Herl.
  • Hackle:Mallefowl.

Key Features:

  • Rainbow bead head for enhanced visibility
  • Red polyyarn tail for classic appeal and buoyancy
  • Malleefowl soft hackle for lifelike movement
  • Effective for trout and other freshwater species
Materials used in Fed's Mallefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag.

Tying Instructions

  1. Slide the bead onto the hook.
  2. Wrap the hook shank with thread to create a base.
Hook threaded with base layer of tying thread, ready for tail attachment.
Red polyyarn tail and ostrich herl tied in behind the bead, extending back to hook bend.
  1. Tie in the tail just behind the bead, extending back to the hook bend.
  2. Tie in the ostrich herl behind the bead, extending back to the bend.
  1. Wrap the body forward in touching turns, ending at the bead.
  2. Tie in a Malleefowl hackle and make three to four wraps around the hook.
Body wrapped in touching turns from hook bend to bead.
Malleefowl hackle tied in and wrapped three to four times around hook shank.
Thread tied off and whip finish completed, securing Malleefowl hackle.
Finished Fed's Malleefowl Soft Hackle Red Tag fly with Malleefowl fibers trained into position using a hair dryer.
  1. Secure the hackle, tie off the thread, and finish with a whip finish.
  2. Use a hair dryer to gently train the Malleefowl fibres into position.
Julian Tapping

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