Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"Selene"


In New England, located in the western mountains of Maine lies an area known as the Rangeley Lakes. This area is know for its pristine waters and wilderness, brook trout and salmon and fly fishing. It's also the birthplace of some of the finest streamer flies to ever catch a fish. Many of the classic streamers were first tied and fished in these waters, and many of these patterns are still doing their magic today.
One particular lady named Carrie Stevens, a fly tyer who created many streamers, including the Gray Ghost applied her talents here. Her flies were said to be tied without the use of a vise, it's a tough task, believe me.
Another fly tyer from Maine, who is doing her part to keep these beautiful flies in the view of many new fly tyers, who find their beauty, and fish taking abilities the need to tie them. This fly tyer is Selene Dumaine. This women has created many of her own patterns, as well as tying the classic Rangeley Streamers, especially Carrie Stevens patterns. Selene can also tie without the aid of a vise.
I have the pleasure of possessing two of her patterns, and they are beautiful. Constructed in the Rangeley style, with fine workmanship.



These are two of her patterns




So to show my appreciation for what Selene has done to keep this beautiful style of streamer fly, as well as the history of their origins in the forefront of fly tying.

I have designed and dressed this streamer in her name. "Selene"

"Selene"


For more information about Selene Dumaine,
http://www.pressherald.com/life/outdoors/making-it-reel_2011-03-20.html








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16 comments:

  1. DRYFLYGUYApril 26, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Brk Trt,
    interesting post. I have a hard enough time tying a basic fly using a vise, never mind creating works of art like those streamers without one. WOW!

    Thanks for starting my day........DRYFLYGUY

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  2. EdApril 26, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Thanks for the info Alan.

    I am in Maine at least twice a month and on my next trip I may have to seek out this area.

    As usual, nice posting and great work on "Selene". Where, when and what would you use Selene for? Also, what is the book that you have opened and where is the train going to from Boston?

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  3. ScottApril 26, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Nice. Maine's flyfishing history is unique. Rangeley's in particular. You can feel it. Several years ago, my son and I were at a Penobscot Flyfishers jamboree at the Bangor Armory. Selene showed my son how to tie a Muddler. She was very gracious. You always remember when someone is nice to your kid.

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  4. Brk TrtApril 26, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    DRYFLYGUY,
    I've done it and it will frustrate to no end.


    Ed,
    It's a beautiful area, worth the trip.
    The streamer would be considered an attractor, not a forage fish. It could be fished in a river, or still water, for trout and salmon.
    The book is an Illustrated Guide Book of the Rangeley Lakes. Published in 1876, by Charles A.J. Farrar of Boston. The train is heading to western Maine.


    Herringbone,
    That is a nice thing she did for your son.
    Rangeley is a wonderful place. I have enjoyed it since 1975.

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  5. ToddApril 26, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Selene is a great gal and tyer. She is a true Maine treasure.Cool tie.

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  6. KiwiApril 26, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Three more beautiful streamers, hers and yours! I have tied simple sakasa kebari without a vise, when I'm on the road, it's no easy task. The fact that these beautiful streamers can be done in such a fashion is truly impressive.

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  7. dead fisherApril 26, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Great streamer Brk Trt, I'm sure Selene would be honored.

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  8. Trout MaGeeApril 26, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    What a beautiful area. With some great history to boot. I have never really tried to tie or use streamers ever. This post has inspired me to give it a try. Just wondering, do you use two of the big feathers, for each side? Or do you use just the one big feather? Thanks. Great Streamers. Inspiring if you will:)

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  9. SandersApril 26, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Beautiful looking streamer, Selene will be thrilled. I'm with Magee, the streamers are inspiring. Never had the chance to fish in NE, but look forward to venturing into some beautiful country in the near future.

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  10. Brk TrtApril 26, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Todd, She sure is a asset to the State of Maine, as well as the fly fishing community.


    Kiwi,
    Thanks.


    John, Thanks.

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  11. Brk TrtApril 26, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Trout Magee,
    Thanks. There are four feathers that are used for the wing, 2 on each side.


    Sanders,
    Thanks. If you ever have the opportunity to fish that area of Maine, do so you'll never forget it.

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  12. Mark KautzApril 26, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    It never ceases to amaze me the beauty of many of the flies that are put on display in blogdom and many of the fly fishing magazines. They are works of art, things of beauty, and should be cherished.

    Mark

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  13. penbaymanApril 28, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    So do you fish with the "Autographed, Authenticated, Provenanced" streamers? Or keep them in a safe place, away from submerged dead tree limbs, rocks and sharp teeth?

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  14. PoconoMay 8, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Does anyone know how to get in touch with Selene? I'm in the Brunswick, ME area and would like to talk to her about her Rangeley streamers.

    Pocono

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  15. Brk TrtMay 10, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Pocono,

    She has a web site.

    merrymeeting flies

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  16. Selene January 15, 2016 at 4:32 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete