Bent Wing Technique

This video is a little different from most of my other videos. Here, I'm demonstrating the bent wing technique, which is a great way to build a wing primarily for Baetis/Mayfly patterns—although I have also used the technique to create some really nice Caddis patterns.

The wing is surprisingly durable and not all that difficult to create. Most commonly, I will use either a Hungarian Partridge feather or a Mallard flank feather (which is used on this video). The Mallard feather has long fibers, making it my typical go-to feather.

Begin by stripping off the fluffy fibers at the base of the feather, doing your best to leave about the same number of fibers on either side of the stem. Grasp the feather by the tip and gently stroke the longer fibers down towards the stem with an even number on either side. Once separated, wet the fibers at the tip (I usually stick them in my mouth) will cause them to form a point.

For the tool used, I take a nozzle from one of my UV resin tubes and cut a little bit from the top to make a slightly wider opening at the tip. Once I've done this, I keep it on hand to use on future bent wing patterns. Take the feather—tip first—and begin pushing it into the base of the nozzle until the tip comes out of the top. From there, gently pull on the tip until you see the section where you've separated the tip fibers from the base fibers. The base fibers will be bent backward - where you get the technique's name.

Continue pulling on the tip until the bent section is about the height you want for your wing. This will primarily vary based on your hook size. Once you have the right length, you can secure it to the hook. Most commonly, I secure it to the center top of the hook with the natural bend of the feather arching up and away from the hook shank. Secure the feather by taking wraps right at the end of the nozzle tip. Take several wraps backward to ensure it is nice and tight. Now, you can remove the nozzle by sliding it backward and off the feather. Use your scissors to remove the remaining stem and feather fibers.

When adjusting the size of the wing in the nozzle, if you accidentally make it too long, remove the feather, wet the tip again, and give it another try. Once the nozzle is removed and the butt ends are clear, take wraps back until you are on the hook shank. Next, take wraps forward until you are right behind the tie-in point. Using the tip as a handle, pull the feather perpendicular to the hook shank and use your thumbnail to crease the stem to help keep the feather upright. Now, move your thread in front of the wing and take several jam wraps right at the front base of the wing to further support it in the upright position.

Finally, grasp the tip fibers with a small bunch in each hand and pull them apart from one another. The feather will split right along the stem creating two separate wings. Make sure you pull until the feather splits all the way down to the hook shank. Once completed, each wing will still have the unbent tip fibers remaining. Use your scissors to carefully trim these excess fibers off.

Thats it! You now have a gorgeous set of durable, bent wings!