Need replacement for partridge feathers?

[Redfin]

Tying more wets and soft hackles. I’m sick of using the bagged partridge. I really don’t want to drop coin on partridge capes.
What out there has good colors and is closes replacement for partridge? Other than starling.


Looking to get feathers in the #10-#14 hook size range.

Thanks men.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Hen capes
Covert feathers from duck wings

 

[Redfin]

Hen capes
Covert feathers from duck wings

Are the capes stiffer fiber? I guess thinking in my head the cape would not be much softer than a rooster?
I have very few dry fly stuff and I don’t do much dry tying at all. But I know like rooster capes are stiff and not very soft or webby. Are the hen capes just a slight off of a rooster cape?
I’m asking cause I really don’t know much about that. Thanks

 

[Bamboozle]

Most decent substitutes (grouse, chukar, Whiting Soft Hackle, ring-neck pheasant hens) that would yield a decent amount of feathers are in the $20 + range.

If you hunt around and do some searches, you can probably find some sources for a full partridge skin close to that price. If that price point is OK, check you PM's.

 

[ROVERT]

I think a skin is worth it. I think I paid $35 for one last year. If you can get them around that price or less, I would go that route.

 

[BradFromPotter]

What out there has good colors and is closes replacement for partridge?

Nothing.
you can get a half skin for $24.50

https://www.etsy.com/listing/667542669/select-and-pro-grade-hungarian-partridge?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-b-toys_and_games&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEE1euB7gPnBuTQ-V9ub-6F7QfdnApnooJp9dOUe3Y4U0Y2Hp0_PgRoCyQUQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_21791666331_169566861358_716586688968_pla-314535279060_c__667542669_129046916&utm_custom2=21791666331&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21791666331&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRJKaZs4ZpeWe2F_paeW2QXJx&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEE1euB7gPnBuTQ-V9ub-6F7QfdnApnooJp9dOUe3Y4U0Y2Hp0_PgRoCyQUQAvD_BwE&variation0=1817313315

 

[Redfin]

Nothing.
you can get a half skin for $24.50

https://www.etsy.com/listing/667542669/select-and-pro-grade-hungarian-partridge?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-b-toys_and_games&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEE1euB7gPnBuTQ-V9ub-6F7QfdnApnooJp9dOUe3Y4U0Y2Hp0_PgRoCyQUQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_21791666331_169566861358_716586688968_pla-314535279060_c__667542669_129046916&utm_custom2=21791666331&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21791666331&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRJKaZs4ZpeWe2F_paeW2QXJx&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oOEE1euB7gPnBuTQ-V9ub-6F7QfdnApnooJp9dOUe3Y4U0Y2Hp0_PgRoCyQUQAvD_BwE&variation0=1817313315

I never shopped on etsy before buy they do seem to look decent. thanks

 

[dudemanspecial]

Nothing.

This is the real answer for sure. There is nothing quite like partridge

Are the capes stiffer fiber? I guess thinking in my head the cape would not be much softer than a rooster?
I have very few dry fly stuff and I don’t do much dry tying at all. But I know like rooster capes are stiff and not very soft or webby. Are the hen capes just a slight off of a rooster cape?
I’m asking cause I really don’t know much about that. Thanks

Millions of soft hackle flies have been tied with hen cape feathers. Pretty standard soft hackle material. They are different than partridge in that they are typically a little bigger size and they definitely dont look like partridge but trust me the fish won't care.

 

[Bamboozle]

Take a page from my book and buy 'em when you find 'em in bunches because they won't go down in price.

I have a crazy amount of full partridge skins I paid around $10 or less for, maybe 15 or so years ago...

In 2025, I'm feeling like a genius... 😉

 

[dudemanspecial]

Take a page from my book and buy 'em when you find 'em in bunches because they won't go down in price.

I have a crazy amount of full partridge skins I paid around $10 or less for, maybe 15 or so years ago...

In 2025, I'm feeling like a genius... 😉

I think I paid 30 for a full skin from flyfishers paradise a few years ago and within a year of that they shot up to 50.

 

[shakey]

I like grouse,woodcock,quail,hen,starling,and even pheasant rump for larger sizes.

 

[shakey]

Most partridge skins I have bought, have been from eBay

Herbert Miner hen capes are well worth the price too

 

[turkey]

I agree with buying a hun skin. It'll last awhile.