Friday, September 7, 2012

"Black Ghost"

In the small village of Oquossoc, Maine, on the shores of Mooselookmeguntic lake sits a house. This is where the originator of the "Black Ghost" streamer lived.

Herbert Welch, was an avid outdoorsman, fly fisher, fly tyer and Maine Guide. In his shop  he also did some fine art in the form of taxidermy. The Black Ghost was first tied under his direction in 1927 at the Boston Sportsmen's Show. The streamer is one of Maine's list of  fine streamers to gain international recognition. The fly has also proven to be a good Atlantic salmon fly.

The Black Ghost is tied in various ways. The traditional featherwing, also the marabou, and a bucktail version.

The "Black Ghost". I tied this traditional featherwing true to pattern as written in the book many consider to be the most accurate when it comes to streamer patterns. "Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing", by Joseph Bates.



CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE


36 comments:

  1. your photos reinforce that fall is just about upon us, my favorite time of year.

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    Replies
    1. Steve,
      Thanks.
      A look at next weeks temps sure shows it's upon us.

      Delete
  2. thanks for a good start to a friday... where does one get jungle cock feathers? are they expensive cause i can never find them at the local shops?

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    Replies
    1. Blake,
      Thanks.
      I'm happy to get you off on a good note.
      JC feathers can be expensive, but you can purchase tyers grade capes and with a little Sally Hansen repair the nails. The tyers grade capes are much less costly. Ebay is a good source for these feathers.

      Delete
  3. Hi Brk Trt!

    Beautiful streamer! I can understand that it gets the attention of the trout and salmon alike. Hope you take some big ones on it!

    Best regards,
    Mats Olsson

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    Replies
    1. The Jassid Man,
      Thanks.
      Have you ever fished the Black Ghost in your rivers?

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    2. Hi again Brk Trt!

      No, actually I haven't tried out the Black Ghost in Ljusnan or other rivers around. I rarely use large flies.

      Sincerely yours,
      Mats Olsson

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    3. I think you should tie one up, perhaps a size 6 or 8 and give them a shot.
      I'd love to get that report.

      Delete
  4. The autumn picture is breath taking...and the streamer's pretty nice too.

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    Replies
    1. Kiwi,
      Thanks.
      Comments on the both are appreciated.

      Delete
  5. Ahhh fall...I can almost smell it in the air just from seeing that first pic.
    Wonderful looking streamer , as always.

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    Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
      Thanks.
      I'll be fishing that lake very soon.

      Delete
  6. what a fantastic autumn scene and a beautifully tied streamer.

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    Replies
    1. brian,
      Thanks.
      I really appreciate you comments.

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  7. Brk Trt, AAAAH! Rangley ME. Nice thoughts this time of year. Nice streamer, and nice autumn photo. It makes me want to chase a partridge/grouse thru those thickets. We'll that seasons coming as well.....Phil

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Wonderful comments. That area is grouse heaven, and not to shabby on woodcock.

      Delete
  8. The streamer does the first photo proud. After spending some time in Maine this summer, I can understand better the inspiration to create such a beautiful streamer (or many for that matter). Fall is definitely in the air...

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    Replies
    1. Sanders,
      Thanks.
      Maine is some pretty real estate. Lots of fly fishing history too.

      Delete
  9. Pretty fly. The Black and the Gray Ghost are some of my favorites.

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    Replies
    1. Steve Zakur,
      Thanks.
      I can guess as to why they're your faves....they work.

      Delete
  10. Absolutely a killer tie and... they fish great as well.

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    Replies
    1. Midgeman,
      Thanks.
      I see you have some experience with the BG.

      Delete
  11. An awesome reproduction. Well done.

    Mark

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    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      It's the photo.
      Have you ever fished it out in Calif?

      Delete
  12. Black Ghost is one of my favorites also, use it almost exclusivley on some local streams. Deadly steamer.

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1,
      Thanks.
      Pete, were they smaller streams, or are you talking the Farmington.

      Delete
  13. Beautiful fly and amazing landscape. How you made those streamers is beyond me. Well done.

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    Replies
    1. J and M Flies,
      Thanks.
      I appreciate your kind comments.

      Delete
  14. One of my hands down favorite flies to fish because it works! Beautiful tie!

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  15. Local, smaller streams near my home area!!

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1,
      Thanks.
      I see. I think I might have an idea which streams they are.

      Delete
  16. Alan
    Amazing how one streamer like that can get the attention of trout fishermen--this one could be put under glass. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks. Not only fishermen, but a lot of fish too.

      Delete