How to select, choose and tie with snowshoe hare. Magnus Angus' instructive video-clip, as embedded into the March digital iOS and Android versions of Fly Fishing and Fly Tying magazine
I have just received some Snowshoe hare from a Canadian friend so this excellent video will pave the way to some tying for my next trip to the Waioeka River down under in NZ. Regards.
In my many, many years of tying with snowshoe, there are two types you will see on the mass market. I don’t know anything about rabbit breeds nor whether all the feet I’ve encountered over the years is because they vary in species or because they were harvested during different times of the year. But this is what I have: 1. Legit- the toenails are fine, usually dark brown or black and sharp-pointed. The fur is crinkly and mostly uniform from heel to toe (toe fur will be longer but usually close to the same thickness as the heel). Tannish/brown in color and opaque. Very dark grey underfur on the pad/heel section. These tend to be a little small in size compared to type #2. 2. What I call Jack Rabbit. Labeled as snowshoe rabbit/hare’s feet, these are what you commonly get when you order from a popular fly tying vendor. I strongly dislike using these because I just don’t think the fur is fuzzy, curly/crinkly nor fine enough to float nearly as well as the good stuff. There are several easy indicators. First, they are noticeably larger and more dense (heavier), the natural undyed fur is a solid, non-opaque cream color. The underfur is the same or similar color as the long, spiky guard hair fur. The dull-pointed nails are thick and opaque - almost sort of similar to a typical dog. The fur near and on the toe of these feet is very thick with zero underfur whereas the fur on the pads is soft and relatively straight. While both types work, I just find what I call the legit snowshoe to be so much better. I tend to like the dirtier brownish tan feet than the lighter, cream-colored feet.
