Whiting Farms - Quality for Fly Tiers

If you're passionate about fly tying, you know how crucial high-quality materials are for perfect results. Feathers are the heart of many patterns, and their quality can determine the success of your fly. This is where Whiting comes in. As the world's leading producer of fly-tying feathers, Whiting Farms sets the standard for quality, innovation, and variety. In this article, discover the fascinating story of Whiting and learn why ambitious fly tiers love Whiting feathers so much.

The Story of Whiting Farms: Passion Meets Perfection

Whiting Farms was founded in 1989 by Dr. Tom Whiting with the goal of producing the highest-quality feathers for fly tying worldwide. However, the company's roots trace back to the 1960s when Henry Hoffman from Warrenton, Oregon, combined his passion for fly fishing and tying with his expertise in poultry breeding.

Henry Hoffman, raised in a family with a small poultry farm in California, merged his knowledge of poultry husbandry with his love of fly fishing. In the 1960s, quality feathers for dry flies were almost unavailable; fly tiers had to rely on substandard imports from India or China. Determined to change this, Hoffman sought suitable chickens and eventually found a trio of Barred Plymouth Rock Bantams with excellent properties for fly tying. Through selective breeding, he developed the famous "Hoffman Hackle" line, which gained worldwide recognition.

In 1989, Dr. Tom Whiting took over Hoffman's legacy and established Whiting Farms in Delta, Colorado. With a doctorate in poultry genetics and a passion for fly fishing, he aimed to produce the best feathers for fly tying. By acquiring additional breeding lines like Hebert/Miner™ Hackle, he expanded the product range and continuously improved quality.

Today, Whiting Farms is a global leader in producing feathers for fly tying. The company offers a wide range of products, including Coq de Leon feathers, which are exclusively available from Whiting Farms for both roosters and hens. These feathers are incredibly versatile and suitable for various fly patterns, from dry flies to nymphs and streamers.

Whiting Farms places great importance on quality, diversity, and innovation. Through ongoing research and development, their products are constantly enhanced to meet the high demands of fly tiers. This commitment to excellence is reflected in every feather leaving their facilities.

For fly tiers seeking the best, Whiting Farms products are the top choice. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, scientific precision, and a deep passion for fly fishing makes Whiting Farms an indispensable partner for fly tiers worldwide.

Whether dry fly, nymph, streamer, or popper: Whiting has the perfect feathers

Why Fly Tiers Love Whiting Feathers

• Impeccable Quality: Every feather from Whiting Farms is bred to deliver the best results. Their structure is fine and supple, with lengths ideal for a wide range of patterns, from tiny dry flies to streamers.
• Extensive Color Selection: With a vast palette of natural and dyed feathers, Whiting offers everything you need for creative and detailed patterns. Whether classic grizzly, vibrant colors, or subtle tones – you’ll find the right feather at Whiting.
• Innovations That Impress: Whiting Farms is known not only for its classic products like dry fly hackles but also for innovations like the High & Dry range and feathers for specialized applications like Euro-Nymphing.

Scott Sector – The Queen of Saltwater (Photo: Holger Lachmann)

Whiting Products in Our Shop

In our shop, you’ll find the entire Whiting Farms product range. Whether you’re looking for standard hackles, Coq de Leon, American hackle, or specialized collections like Bugger Packs – we have everything your fly-tying heart desires. We pride ourselves on not only offering a comprehensive selection but also providing exclusive insights into the details of our products.

To help you make the perfect choice, we’ve taken high-resolution photos of every product in our shop. These images showcase the precise structure of the feathers, the color nuances, and the unique characteristics of each product. This way, you can make an informed decision before purchasing and be sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for. This is our exclusive service for you, and we believe it gives you a real advantage in fly tying.

Discover Whiting in Our Shop

Whiting feathers aren’t just materials – they’re tools that elevate your creativity and craftsmanship to a new level. With them, you can create flies that are not only beautiful but also incredibly effective. Dry flies, in particular, benefit immensely from the fine, long feathers that improve their floatability and durability.

Whiting Farms is the go-to brand for fly tiers worldwide for a reason. With their focus on quality, variety, and innovation, they offer the best the fly-tying world has to offer. Visit our shop to explore the full product range and examine every detail before buying. See for yourself the variety and quality of Whiting. Happy tying!