A part of fly fishing history is undergoing a change. Upper Dam Maine is being rebuilt. This place is where the Gray Ghost was created and fished by Carrie Stevens, and cast from one of the concrete piers into the swirling waters of the pool where she hooked a 6lb. 13oz brook trout. Since that day in 1924 many anglers have fished these waters. I to have fished here many times and have so many wonderful memories of hooking brook trout and salmon both on streamers and dry flies. There is a need to rebuild this old dam, but will it change the way the waters swirl within this huge pool. I guess we'll have to see.
A pier I have fished many times. This is the last time I fished it. The net in the photo was dropped into the water and lost. Perhaps it lies in the bottom of the pool.
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| "Carries Favorite" |
This is a streamer I tied by hand. I did not use a vise. The only tools used were a bobbin to hold the thread, and a pair of scissors. This is the way that Mrs. Stevens tied her streamers. The stone that the fly in photographed on was taken from one of the piers of the dam.
You can find out more of this streamer challenge here http://globalflyfisher.com/streamers/guest/challenge2/
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
That's a beautiful streamer. To me, tying flies by hand without a vise is an extra challenge that I find very rewarding. I do it from time to time with my own flies. Did you do "pre-fab" like Ms. Stevens and then tie it all together?
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
It is quite the challenge.
Yes I did pre assemble the wings just as she did.
It's amazing to me that you could tie a streamer like that with no vise , that's a feat that takes talent for sure. Sure hope the new dam doesn't mess with Mother Nature too drastically...
ReplyDeleteHighlainsFlyFisher,
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It was a fun undertaking, but never again.
I am sure tying the fly with no vise was an extra hard task, but you did it well. The fishing hole looks like a big brook trout hide out.
ReplyDeleteSavage,
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Several large ones hooked in there but none to the net.
truly a wonderful area of New England! Can't wait for this year's trip.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
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Only a few more months.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe mark of a true fly tier is to tie patterns without the vice and you certainly quality. Outstanding looking streamer --thanks for sharing
Bill Rrussell,
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I appreciate that Bill.
That looks like a fishy spot and fantastic looking streamer
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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I could tell you some stories about that place.
I could go on and on about dams rebuilt around here that completely changed the fishing, and all for the worse. Let's hope the folks in charge of this rebuilding take the fishing into consideration. Outstanding streamer you got there.
ReplyDeleteCasey,
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That's what we're hoping for.
must have been difficult tying the streamer without a vice Alan, it looks great!
ReplyDeletebrian,
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It was my friend.
Love this post Alan. I'm a bit of a history buff and appreciate the beauty in knowing the history of those places we fish.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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It's so much a part of why we fly fish.
Wow, very cool post. Like Howard, I'm fascinated by the history of this sport and of the places we fish. You certainly live near many waters that go back to the source. I love that you sacrificed your net to the past of such a special place. And the fly is great. I admire you taking up the challenge.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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That I do. That net floated for awhile then disappeared.
It will be interesting to see how the new dam will affect the flow. I can only hope that the fishing will be there for future fly chuckers..
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