Claret Scott Biron Signature Series

Ewing Hackle Scott Biron Signature Series Dyed Claret Hackle is Your New Fly-Tying Obsession (Even If You’re a Hackle Hoarder)

Oh, fly fishing, that noble pursuit where we spend hundreds of bucks on gear to fool fish into thinking a soggy feather sandwich is lunch. And let’s talk feathers, specifically the Ewing Hackle Scott Biron Signature Series Dyed Claret. If you’re knee-deep in the world of tying streamers or wets for trout, this hackle’s basically the rock star of your vise. Picture this: you’re staring at a sad pile of generic saddle feathers that look like they were dyed in a puddle, and then—bam—enter the Biron series, handpicked (or beak-picked?) by Scott Biron himself, the guy who’s basically the Carrie Stevens whisperer for modern tiers. This isn’t your grandma’s hackle; it’s bred for battle, with just the right webbing and barb count to make your flies scream “eat me” to every brookie in the stream.

First off, quality? Let’s just say if hackles had Yelp reviews, this one would be five stars with a side-eye from the purists who still hand-dye everything in their bathtub. Ewing Feather Birds, the folks behind it, have been perfecting their game since the ’80s, sourcing from lines that trace back to old-school pros like Joe Keough. The Dyed Claret shade? It’s that deep, wine-red purple that’s not too garish—like a goth wine at a trout hatchery party. The feathers are streamlined, averaging 3-6 inches of usable length, with stems tough enough to handle a 10x down to 3x hook without snapping like your resolve after one craft beer. And the webbing? Subtle, not sloppy, so your wings hold shape when wet, unlike those bargain-bin disasters that turn into sad, soggy mop heads mid-swing. Bred specifically for Rangeley-style streamers—think Maine and New Hampshire origins—this hackle imitates smelt and baitfish with a finesse that makes fish feel guilty for ignoring it. but hey, neither is therapy after a skunked day on the water. Pro tip: stock up before your tying buddies “borrow” it and never return.

But why claret, you ask? In fly tying lingo, claret’s that magical burgundy hue that’s been slaying trout since the days when men wore tweed vests unironically. It’s versatile as heck—works for wets, soft hackles, streamers, you name it. Scott Biron, the ambassador tying guru for NH Fish & Game, swears by it for historical patterns like those from Carrie Stevens. In his demos (check out the AMFF videos if you’re feeling fancy), he layers it over peacock herl for that iridescent pop that trout can’t resist. Sarcasm aside, this hackle’s quality shines in the details: no brittle tips, even dyeing that doesn’t bleed like a bad tattoo, and enough natural curve to give your flies lifelike movement. If you’re tired of feathers that float like lead or sink like regrets, the Biron Dyed Claret is your upgrade. SEO bonus: if you’re googling “best dyed claret hackle for trout streamers,” congrats, you’ve found it. Now, let’s get to the fun part—tying and flinging some patterns that’ll make you look like a pro (or at least fool your Instagram followers).

1. Claret Bumble: The Irish Pub Brawler of Wet Flies

Ah, the Claret Bumble—named after some long-dead Irish lord who probably tied it while dodging potatoes. This bad boy is a loch-style wet fly that’s equal parts history and hooligan. It’s killer for brown trout in stillwaters, mimicking drowning daddies or whatever trout hallucinate after too much ale.

How to Tie It (Because Who Has Time for Books?): Start with a size 10-12 long-shank hook (Grizzly 139, say). Wrap black thread base. Tail: A few golden pheasant tippet fibers—short, like your attention span. Body: Dub claret seal fur (or rabbit if you’re fancy) in a tapered sausage shape. Palmer a claret cock hackle from Ewing Biron series rear to front—two turns, because more is just showing off. Front hackle: Black cock, palmered sparse. Shoulder: Blue-dyed guinea for that “ooh, shiny” factor. Whip finish, cement, and admire your non-masterpiece. Total time: 5 minutes if you’re not spilling beer on the vise.

Fly Fishing It Like a Boss: Chuck it on a floating line with a dropper setup in lakes or slow rivers. Swing it downstream on a dead drift, or strip it erratically to imitate a panicky bug. Trout smash it in spring/autumn when they’re feeling frisky. Sarcastic tip: If it doesn’t work, blame the wind—never your knot-tying skills. Landed me a 3-pounder once; felt like cheating.

2. Montreal: The Stealthy Streamer That Says “Bonjour, Breakfast”

Named after a city where poutine reigns supreme, this wet fly’s all about subtlety—until the trout inhales it. Perfect for river browns pretending they’re too cool for dries.

Tying Shenanigans: Size 8-12 wet hook. Red hackle fibers for tail (shaft length, genius). Claret dubbing body, ribbed with flat gold tinsel for bling. Hen hackle dyed claret from Biron—palmer it soft, like whispering sweet nothings. Wing: Turkey quill slip, swept back. Black thread head, done. It’s like assembling IKEA furniture, but with hooks.

Fishing Follies: Wet fly swing across current—up and across, let it dangle. Add a twitch; trout think it’s injured prey. Deadly in riffles during mayfly hatches. I once hooked a feisty 18-incher that dragged me into a bush; blame the claret’s seductive glow. If fish ignore it, you’re probably fishing for bass—switch sports.

3. Grouse and Claret Soft Hackle: The Scottish Hangover Cure

Grouse? Claret? Sounds like a fancy dinner, but it’s a soft hackle spider that trout gobble like free appetizers. Ideal for spooky selective feeders in freestone streams.

Tie It or Die Trying: #12-14 scud hook. No tail—keep it minimalist, hipster style. Body: Dubbed grouse feather dyed claret (or straight claret wool). Hackle: One turn of Biron Dyed Claret hen—soft, webby, positioned collar-style. Thorax: Tiny peacock herl nub. Vise victory dance optional.

Angling Antics: Nymph it under an indicator or swing as a dropper. Dead drift in seams; the hackle pulses like a heartbeat. Fall caddis hatches? Gold. I tied one wonky once and still caught four; proof trout have no taste. Sarcasm level: If it sinks too fast, congrats, you’ve invented the “Grouse and Lead.”

4. Black Claret Dabbler: The Modern Misfit Streamer

Dabbler? More like “dabbler in disaster” if you overstrip it. This Irish lake bomber uses claret for that baitfish vibe, thanks to Biron’s perfect webbing.

Tying Tango: Size 8 hook, black thread. Tail: Bronze mallard. Rib: Pearl mylar. Body: Black claret seal fur dub. Palmer Biron claret hackle. Underwing: Pearl flash. Wing: More mallard. Head: Foam dab for floaty fun. Looks pro; ties like a drunk toddler.

Fishing Farce: Retrieve with short strips on intermediate line in shallows. Pause for the “hesitation”—trout pounce. Windy days? It dances like it’s auditioning for Riverdance. Nabbed a rainbow that jumped like it was electrocuted; blame the claret’s hypnotic hue. Pro fail: Strip too fast, and it’s just expensive chum.

5. New Hampshire Warden: Biron’s Own “Don’t Arrest Me” Special

Scott Biron’s original—tied for wardens who fish on the sly. A streamer with claret attitude, evoking smelt runs in NH ponds.

Hackle Hijinks: #4-6 streamer hook. Silver tinsel body. White bucktail belly. Wing: Peacock herls topped with four Biron Dyed Claret saddle hackles—sweep ’em back like a bad hair day. Lemon woodduck shoulder, jungle cock cheeks. Black head. Tandem option for extra chaos.

Casting Comedy: Sink-tip line, strip retrieve in lakes. Slow for cruising brookies; fast for aggressive bows. Biron swears it’s a “brook trout magnet”—caught one that posed for selfies. If it tangles, remember: Wardens don’t litter, they just redistribute hooks.

There you have it hackle heresy, optimized for your next “Ewing Hackle Scott Biron Signature Series Dyed Claret review” binge. Grab a patch, tie these bad boys, and hit the water. Who knows? You might even catch something bigger than your ego. Tight lines, or whatever we say to avoid admitting defeat.