Magnum Hen Saddle?

mcswny · Feb 6, 2023

Recently picked up Blaine Chocklet's book with the intention of tying some Game Changes/learning some new techniques and theories. So far it's pretty fascinating with a ton of good info. I know I definitely don't NEED to tie these for what I fish, I have no problem with what I normally tie but I want to mix it up.

One question I had was in terms of hen saddles. I don't tie a ton with them and I only have 1 (a whiting red label in white). But he references "Magnum Hen Saddles" are typically needed for Feather Changers. I'm not really seeing anything labeled as magnum out there except on Blane's site as well as Schultz Outfitters (of course

). My question is what Hen Saddles out there have the biggest feathers? Red Label? American Hen? The 4B saddles could be the ticket, plus they're dirt cheap? Or do I just tie with the saddle I have, and sub in saddle hackles/schalpen when I get closer to the head?

Billy · Feb 6, 2023

mcswny said:
Recently picked up Blaine Chocklet's book with the intention of tying some Game Changes/learning some new techniques and theories. So far it's pretty fascinating with a ton of good info. I know I definitely don't NEED to tie these for what I fish, I have no problem with what I normally tie but I want to mix it up.

One question I had was in terms of hen saddles. I don't tie a ton with them and I only have 1 (a whiting red label in white). But he references "Magnum Hen Saddles" are typically needed for Feather Changers. I'm not really seeing anything labeled as magnum out there except on Blane's site as well as Schultz Outfitters (of course ). My question is what Hen Saddles out there have the biggest feathers? Red Label? American Hen? The 4B saddles could be the ticket, plus they're dirt cheap? Or do I just tie with the saddle I have, and sub in saddle hackles/schalpen when I get closer to the head?

Awesome question. Schultz use to source the magnum so I just called them directly.

mcswny · Feb 6, 2023

Billy said:
Awesome question. Schultz use to source the magnum so I just called them directly.

Well it's good that A. I'm not the only person with this question and B. I was definitely on the right track

Thanks Billy.

Long_Rod_Silvers · Feb 6, 2023

Whiting American Hen saddles work. But I think they're more expensive then the 'magnum' ones that Blane sells.

mcswny · Feb 6, 2023

Long_Rod_Silvers said:
Whiting American Hen saddles work. But I think they're more expensive then the 'magnum' ones that Blane sells.

They definitely are. Blane's are ~$26 and the Whitings are ~$40 BUT Blane's are sold out except for Grizzly.

Long_Rod_Silvers · Feb 6, 2023

mcswny said:
They definitely are. Blane's are ~$26 and the Whitings are ~$40 BUT Blane's are sold out except for Grizzly.

SculpinSwinger · Feb 6, 2023

mcswny said:
They definitely are. Blane's are ~$26 and the Whitings are ~$40 BUT Blane's are sold out except for Grizzly.

I recently bought a Whiting American Hen saddle from the Caddis Fly, $25

mcswny · Feb 6, 2023

SculpinSwinger said:
I recently bought a Whiting American Hen saddle from the Caddis Fly, $25

View attachment 53065

Pretty wide feathers?

SculpinSwinger · Feb 6, 2023

mcswny said:
Pretty wide feathers?

The longest barbules are 1-1 1/4”, those feathers are about 4 - 6” long.

rattlesnake · Feb 6, 2023

Schultz has a good selection and decent ish prices.

The hareline soft hackle marabout patches are pretty decent but have a pretty wide variety of feathers. Not the best for lots of large feathers but they worked well for most of the 4”ish flies I seem to tie. You can always supplement with schlappen for the largest feathers too.