Happy Birthday America
I believe we as fly fishers and fly tyers can agree that the featherwing Rangeley style of streamer is truly an American icon. It's origins came from New England, and the northeast. The concept of tying such an assortment of feathers is unique to this type of streamer fly. I have heard it said that the Rangeley streamer is an Atlantic salmon fly tied on a long shank hook.
These beautiful and very effective fish takers are not prominent in fly shop bins. The tyers today that keep these flies in circulation and in the eyes of a new generation of fly tyers and fly fishers are to be commended. Below are a few of my streamers and one tied by my mentor.
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| "General MacArthur" |
This fly which was created by Carrie Stevens, and tied by Phil Foster of Farmington Maine. He was a strong force in my life as far as tying these flies.
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| "Platte River Special" |
These are two variations of western streamer. I tied these in the Rangeley style.
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| "John's Pond" |
Name for a special trout pond in Oquossoc Maine.
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| "Windswept" |
I first tied this pattern many years ago, in my early days of fly tying.
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| "Selene" |
This is a lovely streamer named after a lady that is one of the best Rangeley streamer fly tyers.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSorry I can't choose a favorite, they are all off the charts when it comes to streamer tying. Fantastic work at the bench!!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill there are some fine fly tyers out there that specialize in this type of streamer. One day I'll post some of their works.
lovely creations Alan, & happy 4th July for tomorrow to everyone that side of the pond.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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I know I'll enjoy my day....perhaps do a little fishing.
Happy 4th of July, Alan and everyone else who visits Small Stream Reflections. It's already July 4th here in OZ, it's got something to do with the Earth not being flat!
ReplyDeleteThose are all lovely looking streamers. If I had to pick a favourite it would be the second tying--I wonder if I might be able to have you tie a few for me?
I'm looking forward to three weeks holidays in about a weeks time. There's a few "Honey Dew/Do" tasks do do around the house but I should be able to get out and wet a fly at a few lakes and ponds.
Have a Happy July 4th ale or coffee for me and the rest of SSR followers.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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No it is not flat, Steve thankfully someone got that right.
I could do something for you, just e-mail me. Three weeks of almost free time I bet you have every minute planned. The readers thank you for that greeting and I'm sure will take you up on the gesture.
Beautiful streamers Alan. You sure do know how to tie a streamer, can't wait to put the streamer I have from you on display in my tying room in my new house that's being built. Happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteChris MaineFly207
Anonymous
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Chris your very kind.....that streamer will be at home in Maine.
Absolutely awesome flies. I enjoy both tying and fishing them as well. Well done Allan!
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph they can be very effective flies when fished in the places, and I'm sure you know where those places are.
Beautiful streamers, Alan. Nobody does it better than you I'll tell you that much.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam thanks for the wonderful comment.
Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't they trolling flies, at least originally? Just commenting because I have never seen one of your articles where you used them, that I can tell.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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These streamers are for trolling. They were created in the northland to fish for trout and salmon in those deep lakes as well as the large pools created by dams.
Like many flies they were also tied to do different tasks and when they took these flies and tied them smaller they became casting streamers.
I fish these flies often and if you search my blog you'll find the posts where the results will be found.
Alan, these Streamer patterns are "Exquisite". There are a lot of us who can be considered good fly tyers....... But, until you have watched someone tie one of these patterns and seen the love and skill applied in doing so, then and only then have you seen the Art of Fly Tying History!
ReplyDeleteThe Bluegill Bug
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Mel these flies can be complicated, and at times frustrating. But they are beautiful and well worth the effort. And like you said they are indeed a form of "art".
Alan
ReplyDeleteThey are all works of art and should be framed as such! My favorite is the General MacArthur and all the patriotic colors used to tie it.Beautiful.
TROUT1
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Pete Carrie Stevens was quite patriotic in her design of the Gen. MacArthur streamer.
Wonderful flies. That Platte River Special almost looks like a parrot or toucan or something. Hard not to marvel at such elegant ties.
ReplyDeleteMichael Agneta
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Mike it's great what can be accomplished with the blending of some pretty common poultry feathers.
Such talent.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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I appreciate the comment buddy.
You are one of those to be commended Alan. I would certainly not be as interested in them were it not for you.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan I appreciate that, but I believe you were born to do what you have shown us.