Hareline Mallard Flank Feathers

From dry flies to wet flies to streamers, Hareline’s Mallard Flank Feathers are ready to tie just about any style of fly that you might want in your box. Mallard Flank Feathers come from the flank of a male mallard duck and they have beautiful markings that can tie anything from wings on classic dry flies to collars on large salmon/steelhead flies. A versatile feather that Hareline dyes a range of colors, including the popular “Wood Duck” coloration, Hareline’s Mallard Flank Feathers have you covered whether you’re stocking the dry fly box for a trip to the Delaware or whipping up a box of Zoo Cougars to fish under a dark sky. 

Uses

Mallard Flank Feathers are truly versatile and have been used in patterns for decades. These feathers are a popular choice for traditional Catskill Dry Fly wings, but that only scratches the surface of their applications. Hareline’s Mallard Flank is an excellent choice for things like tails and legs on nymphs, wings on wet flies, upright or down wings on dry flies, claws or shellbacks on crayfish, crabs, and shrimp, looped wing emergers, large soft hackles, wings on streamers, cut wingpads, and even some Spey and salmon flies. A material with a ton of different uses, Hareline’s Big Pack of Mallard Flank will serve your needs whether you fish saltwater, stillwater, flowing water, or a combination of the three. 

Comparisons

Mallard flank is one of the most common substitutes for wood duck flank and these two feathers share a lot of similarities. Both featuring a barred pattern and a soft hand means that they excel in similar areas, but some tyers feel that true wood duck adds a level of panache that's unachievable by mallard flank. What's one of the main differences between the two? Well, it mostly comes down to your budget and preference. Regardless, you can confidently substitute mallard for wood duck without fear of fish becoming picky and selective. 

Example Flies

Mallard Flank feathers are very versatile with countless uses, but a few of the most popular patterns that use these feathers are:

• Light Cahill Dry Fly
• Light Cahill Wet Fly
• Dark Cahill Dry Fly
• Dark Cahill Wet Fly
• Zug Bug Nymph
• Zoo Cougar Streamer