Woodcock Feathers for Fly Tying Kebari, Nymphs & Wet Flies

Article by Steve Allen

Late September of 2024 I traveled to Wisconsin to visit family and spend some time tenkara fishing. While camping in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest and fishing on the White River I met a local chap who came for spring water at the rest area where I was having lunch. We talked fishing and hunting and Andy offered to send me some bird wings at the end of the season. Sure enough, that December I received a package of woodcock and grouse wings, and some wood duck feathers.

Fast forward to 2025 December and again I received a mailing from Andy with a number of Wisconsin upland bird wings. In both instances, these wings were gifted to me. 

The reason I mentioned they were gifted is that in America, commerce in migratory birds and their body parts is regulated. Here in the States, we can purchase woodcock and grouse wings that originated in the UK, but not those originated in America. That being said, it is legal to give or gift them.

The markings on the British woodcock differ from those on the America woodcock. You can see the difference in the photo below; the English Woodcock on the top and the American Woodcock below it. There is also a noticeable difference in size.

The different sections of the wing provide feathers of different coloration and size, making them applicable for different parts of the fly; tail, wings, and hackle. The image below calls them out.

For kebari emergers and nymphs, the marginal coverts make excellent hackles. They are thicker, yet more flexible than hen hackle. Because the American Woodcock wing is smaller, they are a perfect hackle for smaller flies. 

In the above Woodcock Nymph the tail is from a secondary feather, the wing case and hackle are from the marginal covert feathers.

There are a number traditional flies that utilize woodcock. The thicker barbules lend themselves so well to the “sunken” wet flies and kebari that we fish on a fixed line.

Woodcock and Hare’s Lug – Lug is an old Scottish term for ear, a.k.a. Woodcock and Hare’s Ear.

---

Woodcock and Red Spider – Another UK pattern. The north country spider patterns from the British Isles are so similar to tenkara kebari. You can use any color for the body to match the insect coloration, the Partridge and Orange is a good example of an alternate body color.

---

Woodcock and Primrose Kebari – The hackle is from the lesser covert feathers.

---

Euro Woodcock Emerger – Tail is from a secondary feather and the hackle from a covert feather.

---

Woodcock and Yellow Emerger – When the hackle is tied on sparse, the thickness and length provide a good imitation of an emerging caddis. Again, body color to match emerging insect. 

---

It’s hard not to assume that in days past tenkara fishers were limited in fly tying materials as were the fishers in the British Isles. Wild, as well as domesticated birds and mammals provided much of what were used to tie early kebari and flies. In fly tying you can either duplicate the materials used to tie a specific pattern, or you can substitute with material on hand, with the resulting fly looking the same. Sometimes I think we credit fish with too much intelligence. In fast water, trout have a very short time to decide if your fly is food or detritus. I don’t believe the species you sourced your materials from makes a difference to the trout.

---

Steve Allen is retired in Northeast Tennessee after a career in supply chain and retail outing goods management. In addition to fishing and fly tying he is an avid amateur radio operator, participates in shooting sports, and with his wife enjoys canoeing and kayaking, hiking, and gardening.

Do you have a story to tell? A photo to share? A fly recipe that’s too good to keep secret? If you would like to contribute content to Tenkara Angler, click HERE for more details.

When you buy something using the retail links within our articles or Gear Shop, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Tenkara Angler does not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.