10/15/22 Saturday Hands On Session – Adam Bange’s “Building Deerhair Poppers…by Stacking Hair”

As the date of my class approaches quickly I wanted to share a list of some of the tools and materials required to stack deer hair. I have plenty of deer hair to share but only a few extra spools of GSP thread which is important to have.
 GSP (Gel Spun Polyethylene)
thread is many times stronger anything else and will help compress the hair tightly to the shank of the hook. 200 denier is best.

In addition to GSP thread I also use flat waxed nylon thread to cover the shank and attach the tail materials. 
Super glue is also required as is CA accelerator (Zip Kicker) for a step I do. Only a quick spray is needed (you only need the fumes) and I have a couple bottles to share. I use toothpicks to help spread the glue. Head Cement or Hard as Nails is also needed to coat the bottom of the popper.
A hair packer tool is needed. A half hitch tool or empty pen tube also helps, as does a bodkin for pulling out trapped hairs.
Longer scissors work best to remove hair from the hide, and curved scissors are helpful for trimming the fly into shape. Razor blades are critical. A blade holder helps but is not needed. Blades dull fast when trimming and need to be replaced often.
Lastly, bring patience! These flies take a lot of steps to make (lots of repetition), but they are rewarding when they turn out right. Hair stacking is incredibly versatile, and you can make poppers, divers, sliders, or anything else you can dream of with the same basic process. –Adam Bange