The Rangeley region of Maine has produced some of the finest streamer patterns ever.
The areas tyers of the golden era of streamers are many and the flies that were created there were not only beautiful but also very effective in the taking of large brook trout and landlocked salmon.
Carrie Stevens one the better known tyers of Rangeley region created many patterns, some of which were named for various sportsmen and friends of Carrie and her husband and Maine guide Wallace. One of their friends was Allie French of Willimantic Connecticut. He spent many summers at Upper Dam fishing its famous pool for trout and salmon.
Carrie created a streamer and named it after Allie, I don't know if it was named a favorite because Allie fished it often or if it was named favorite because it caught fish. I can say this I have fished it both in Maine and Connecticut and have been pleased with its results.
The American Thread Co. in Willimantic Connecticut. Allie French was its manager when "Thread" was a thriving business in Connecticut and the United States.
The beautiful building is now a home to both small business and to people.
This is the recipe for "Allie's Favorite" as told to author Joseph Bates by Carrie Stevens.
This is "Allie's Favorite"
Beautiful and lovely fly. I can understand that it was appetizing for the trout and salmon.
ReplyDeleteHave fun displaying beautiful flies to us,
M.O.
The Jassid Man,
DeleteThanks.
Carrie had a special eye for color, which made her streamers so effective.
Brk Trt,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post & beautiful streamer.
Rangeley ME is a fine area to reflect on its legendary fishing history.
Good stuff......DRYFLYGUY
DRYFLYGUY,
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It truly is.
I truly enjoy learning the background and history of some of the flies you display , it's very interesting. And of course the fly is beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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We seem to think in the now-a-days. But it's good to look at yesterday now and then.
Thanks for the read, I always enjoy fly tying reads. Very nice tie and pics as always. Can I ask how come you dont do the red band? Also if you care to share why and how did this practice become so prevalent?
ReplyDeleteJohnny Utah,
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The red band was a trademark of Carrie Stevens, and I like many tyers who tie her patterns choose to leave that to her original streamers.
I'm not sure what practice you speak of.
I was referring to the red band. But you answered the question. Thank you.
DeleteSomehow that streamer has just got to parallel with that area, looks peaceful and I would guess that is how the streamer would fish---"peaceful"---If I had my life to live over that is the area of the country I would make my home. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBill Trussell,
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I never looked at it, but now that you mention it, it does look peaceful.
I wanted to retire there but the wife says there's to much winter there.
Another great colored streamer. Thanks BT.
ReplyDeleteMark
Shoreman,
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Hey Alan....thanks for sharing the background for this beautiful fly. Does the old American Thread building sit along a river? If it does, then I have been there for work. I ended up staying after my visit and viewing the river for a little while.
ReplyDeleteEd,
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Yes there is a river that flows there. It's the Willimantic.
Nice tie, beautiful streamer. Always like to learn the background of a fly. Also enjoyed seeing some of Rangely. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Some of their histories are quite special. Rangeley is special place.
There's certainly a lot of history in those Steven's patterns and the Rangeley region and it's nice to know that there are sportsmen such as yourself who are working on keeping it alive.
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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That's oh so true my friend.
That was a golden age in US fly fishing.
To Begin, Happy (belated) Birthday! Just started following your Blog, Could you please tell me where that Beautiful Picture is on the very top of this site! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteTony,
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That's a small stream located in the mountains of western Maine.
Belated happy birthday and the colors are beautiful in the fly. Great tie
ReplyDeleteJoe,
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Your comments are much appreciated.
Absolutely beautiful!!
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