Monday, December 10, 2012

Smelt Patterns..."Yankee Smelt"

Many of the feather wing streamers created for fishing in the northeast were tied to represent the smelt. Smelt are found in many cold water lakes and are the primary food sources of salmon and trout which also inhabit these same lakes. The smelt can vary in color depending at what depth they may be found. Some when looked at seem to be transparent. I know of a few lakes in Connecticut where smelt can be found. When ice fishing we seek out these little fish, they are excellent table fare.

While most of my fishing is done in small streams, there are times when I'll fish a few of these smelt lakes, primarily in the early Spring. Fishing one of these smelt patterns will usually bring a nice brown to the net.

"Yankee Smelt"





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10 comments:

  1. Very nice Alan.

    I am going ice fishing in Maine this January for the first time with some guys from work. I was told last week we are going for smelt. I will have to take some pictures if it isn't to cold.

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    Replies
    1. Ed,
      Thanks.
      Ice fishing is great fun, especially when smelt are being caught. Fry up a bunch right on the ice....that's living.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Swamp Yankee,
      Thanks.
      I thought it might ring a bell.

      Delete
  3. Alan
    The Smelt is as outstanding as the Red Baron----I have just sent you an email with my address. Thanks again for selecting The Red Baron as the streamer name

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      It was a fine and appropriate name.

      Delete
  4. Very nice streamer Alan- looks like you will have no problem catching fish in the new year.

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  5. I would be remiss in not commenting on this pattern,it is a beauty Alan,as all of your streamers are. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours.

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    Replies
    1. phly,
      Thanks.
      I appreciate it.
      Merry Christmas, and a Healthy Happy New Year.

      Delete