Brown Hackle Peacock

The Brown Hackle Peacock, also known as the Red Tag, has roots reaching back to at least the 1600s. Charles Cotton (1630–1687) described an early peacock fly made from the feathers of that bird. Later versions evolved to include a red or claret tag, peacock-herl body, and brown hackle. Its simple, time-tested design remains highly effective for trout and grayling.

Curated by the IdentaFly fly fishing team.

Rub a tiny amount of floatant into only the hackle, leaving the peacock body untreated. The hackle will hold the fly in the surface film while the body hangs below it, creating the posture of an insect struggling to emerge.