Those that have followed this blog know of my fondness for brook trout. I can't put into words the feeling I get when I catch one of these guys. They are a blast to catch on a dry fly, but it's the simple bucktails, which I believe were designed for the brook trout, that I enjoy using. This is one such bucktail that is a staple in my fly box. This fly has taken more brook trout for me than any other streamer. This fly is easy to tie and does not require a lot of expensive materials. You can use a variety of hooks, I use everyday run of the mill Mustads in a variety of sizes. Peacock herl for the body, yellow calftail for the wing, and a tuft of red hackle for a topping.
What I would like to see is anglers and tyers putting some of these to the test where you fish. I would love to see some of the western fly fishers try these out. And you anglers who fish warm water species try this bucktail.
Simple hooks. Use what you have as long as they are a streamer hook.
These are some Edson Tigers tied in various sizes using different materials for the tail. I also tie them with a wire rib to give them some weight. Tie the Edson Tiger sparse, and the more it gets chewed the better it produces.
Hi Alan!
ReplyDeleteLovely fly! I can understand that it's an appealing fly for the brook trout. I'm back tying tiny flies again; more or less.
Kind greetings from Sweden,
Mats Olsson
The Jassid Man,
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It has all the colors that brookies adore.
Keep tying buddy.
Alan...that's one of my many go-to flies....along with the black ghost....and also black-nosed-dace streamers ....and the fish keep smacking it....even after all the wing is gone...lol...I think that the trout thinks it might be a stonefly....when just the body is left....I use these mostly for smallies....they work awesome!!
ReplyDeleteflyfisher1000,
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The black ghost and Art Flicks gem the black nosed dace are also in my box. Smallies, pickerel, and yellow perch have been taken on this fly. It's wonderful that you keep fishing these oldies.
I've never tied or fished one but it's on the list now.
ReplyDeleteBill,
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I'm surprised, you living in brook trout territory.
I will definitely tie some up and give them a try. Just like the Ausable Bomber and Picket Pin I've been wanting to tie and use.
ReplyDeletePeter Carlson,
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That's a hat trick that will produce.
Here's a pattern I've known about for 40 years but, oddly enough, have never tied. No more procrastination. Will schedule a tie this afternoon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt I know they will work on those wild trout streams you fish.
Alan, I will definitely give this a turn or two at the vise this winter. I meet your suggestions for users quite well. Live in Colorado, fish warm water fish often, and love to tie basic flies. I will get back with you next spring or summer on success story, I hope!
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
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I'm waiting for that report. I would love to hear about the success on western waters.
Alan
ReplyDeleteMy next trip to the tailrace will be below all the water where everyone fishes. This water is slow and deep and no one seldom fishes this part of the tailrace. I have a few streamers that I am planning to use, but none look like the Edson Tiger. This area is where all the bigger trout hang out, so I know this part of the tailrace would need to be fish opposite from where I normally fish. The banks are sharp and very little backcast room at all, with the average deep being 8 to 10 ft. deep. I think the streamer pattern would work well here. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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I believe you have a good shot at taking a nice fish from this spot. Try drifting a brown or olive wooly bugger through it.
I'm sure that would work well at Brookie Lake. I'll be trying it out there. Might tie up a big one for the steelhead season on now--who knows?
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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I agree with it working on those brookies. I would love to see it work on steeelies.
Those Maine sea run brookies love that streamer as well.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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I see you've had some first hand knowledge of that.
Yes, I have. :-)
DeleteHey, I almost got you a nice buck tonight for the chili with my pick up truck. He darted off at the last second, very close call.
Apache Trout,
DeleteYou have seen one more buck than I have.
I have confidence we'll have venison chili for New Years Day. If not there's always beef.
If Mel will take me along with him, I'd love to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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I'm sure he would not object to taking you along........would you Mel?
Sweet!
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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Another Maine streamer Mike.
I learned that pattern from Tom Nixon's book and used to tie yellow ones for smallmouth and spotted bass.
ReplyDeleteriverwalker34,
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It's a pretty versatile streamer. Tied in various sizes it's deadly.
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