I'm not going to dwell on winter for long, giving it but a few words. We have snow in our forecast but it comes with some moderating temps, it's going to get to about 40 tomorrow, a slight dip into the mid teens early next week and after that I see the old mans back broken. The other day Jeanette and I went searching for some open water and we found it. The only problem there was thigh high snow leading to it. I think a week from now I might be able to access the stream.
Now to some streamer stuff. I was tinkering around with the use of certain feathers to create a more life like streamer. Below is some of my tinkering.
The two base wing feathers are a badger feather dyed black. Some of the highlights of this feather show clearly. The second feather is a grizzly feather dyed green. It is a feather that can show many variations depending on how deep it is fished.
This is a marabou feather from a ringneck pheasant. These feathers are located along the back and the rump of the bird.
This is the marabou after the fluff at the base is stripped away. This feather will be used as a shoulder for the streamer.
Here is the complete wing. The black feather followed by the green grizzly feather, then the marabou shoulder and jungle cock. My thought on using the marabou for the shoulder is that the movement of the marabou in the water will give the illusion of a gill plate moving in a life like motion. This is subtle but at time could make the difference between a look and a strike. After assembly of the fly I realized some added realism could be had by placing a small red mallard feather before the marabou.
The completed streamer fly. It has a green yarn body with gold tinsel. The belly is white schlappen with a red throat.
Genius Alan! I've never seen someone use marabou as a cheek like that. Very clever, and just a gorgeous Streamer all around!
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation,
DeleteThanks.
In theory it sounds good, I'll have to test it when conditions prove favorable.
gosh, that tie is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Theresa what would enhance it would be some of "Bubba's hair.
Beautiful, and I'd imagine quite effective! To bad so few people actually fish these any more. I plan to try to use them more this year.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
DeleteThanks.
They are, and they are in use today, just not around here. The north country is where they shine.
A nice step-by-step. And pretty. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
DeleteThanks.
Walt I appreciate the comment.
One of my years pilgrimages is to Ice House at ice out. In a normal year that means 3 feet of snow on the side of the lake. I've often thought about snow shoes.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
DeleteThanks.
Mark we have thought of snow shoes for years. Perhaps next year.
Ice House at ice out...how cool!
Alan
ReplyDeleteThis streamer shows that there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a streamer pattern that will get a take; with your expertise the streamer takes on a whole new look. Outstanding work at the bench---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
Bill it's incredible how a simple gray feather can take on several color shades based on how deep it's fished.
But that should not make a difference because fish can't see colors......"right"?
Alan, you've forgotten more than I know about tying flies and such.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
DeleteThanks.
Howard you are so kind. I appreciate it.
Amazing specimens as usual, Alan. And I am heartened to hear your analysis of winter. Many bird songs today before this snow came!!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
DeleteThanks.
Mike I hope he doesn't get mad and prolong his stay. I have also heard these birds singing a different tune.
Alan, that is just too damn good..........................
ReplyDeleteYou need to go fishing, even in thigh high snow....................
The rest of us need time to marvel at your fly tying work!
Mel,
DeleteThanks.
Mel thank you buddy. I do very much want to go fishing. Next week I may just do that.
Very nice work Alan,these colors are good for the pallet of colors that work for me in my part of the world. Would have never thought to dye a badger black,it shows some real nice coloring.
ReplyDeletephly,
DeleteThanks.
I picked up that saddle several years ago at a show. I have never seen another since. I did see one dyed red, should have bought that one too.
Beautiful Streamer Al!!!!! Hopefully winters' back is broken after this last storm.
ReplyDeleteTROUTI,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I sure hope so, Pete. Then I look outside and see another 6 inches has fallen.
Very nice. If I had all those beautiful flies in my arsenal...I wouldn't know which to start with...seems like you have some tough decisions in your, hopefully, near future! -Drew
ReplyDeleteDrew LooknFishy,
DeleteThanks.
Decisions, I wish all of mine were like this. Drew I sure hope the time arrives soon.
We'll be needing snowshoes until the first of May up here in Maine Alan..it will be another 4 weeks until winter's broken back spreads north..and by the way? the streamer? ....AWESOME!
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
DeleteThanks.
Mike it's been unreal. Folks with snow machines are thrilled, and the ski business is through the roof, and oh the ice fishermen will have good ice for sometime. OK for us I think we've had enough. "Know any good pizza restaurants"?
Maybe one of my favorite flatwing streamers I've seen you post Alan. The pheasant marabou makes an incredible looking addition to that fly...simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
DeleteThanks.
Jeff that marabou can only help. Any movement in a fly especially natural has got to be a plus.
Wow. That is definitely thee best looking fly that I have seen you post. The way you planned out that fly is motivating. Thank you, for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini,
DeleteThanks.
Justin I figured that the marabou is a killer on the back end of a bugger, so why not try it at the front end of a streamer.