I have been fooling around with some featherwing streamer flies designed for use in small streams. Most of the flies have been tied on size 10 and 12 hooks either Mustad 3665A or Kieth Fulsher Thunder Creek. I really like the Thunder Creek hook. I have already tested a few patterns and they do get it done. These flies are designed to be fished on small streams and they do an excellent job of looking like many of the small baitfish that are found in most small streams. Most of the flies use a Furnace or Badger hackle for the wing. I like those hackles for the provide a dark stripe down the center as well as a dark shoulder. When looking at the fly you may say the wing looks to long and might be problem causing fouling. I can tell you they don't. I use jungle cock eyes because I have an abundance of little nails.
Most of the bodies are just thread, with mylar tinsel, some have Uni-stretch. I vary the color of the tail and throat hackle. So below are six patterns and three of them have been stream tested. I am quite satisfied that as the weather gets better my success with these flies will increase.
We have some snow in the forecast...good tying....
Beautiful streamers. I'm sure that each one will entice a fish to strike. Can't wait to see what they catch.
ReplyDeleteRKM
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Kirk quite a few of them have already proven themselves.
I think I've died and gone to feather-wing streamer heaven! Excellent, excellent work Alan! So glad to see you post these! You are a true master at this style of streamer and so many other patterns as well!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug your so kind. The streamer can be effective when used in the right situation, like a heavy mayfly hatch. Very true.
Gorgeous flies. You should frame a few and proudly display.
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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Mike these are fishing flies. A few of them are a bit rough around the edges. But the fish can't see the imperfections.
I encourage new fly tyers not to let their first or their 1000 fly's looks deter them from fishing them.
You have attested to their effectiveness and will attest to their attractiveness. Wonderful tying, Alan.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill like always "well said"
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flies once again.....
Although patterns representing bait fish are popular on our still waters over here, you hardly ever here of them being used on our streams and rivers. I have occasionally thought about how the trout in the Leven & Tees would respond to one being stripped through their pools?
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Alistair
Alistair Corbishley
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Alistair I'd bet a good sandwich they would work and quite well I would say. Over here it is said "big flies catch big fish".....
What everyone.said Alan! Thanks so much for posting these. I'll have to look up the Fulsher hook. I have his updated book, used to have the original printing.
ReplyDeletebill piatek
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Bill, Fulsher's Thunder Creek series of streamer flies are some of the most effective patterns ever tied.
Allan,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful streamers!
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe, I appreciate your comment.
Carrie Stevens would be proud. Those are fantastic, Alan. I can't wait to hear how they fish.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike, she was a master. When you think of the lesser quality of materials she had to work with back then, and her style of tying you could come to the conclusion she was the best.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI can see anyone of these patterns getting a take on those awesome streams you fish there. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I hope you and family are safe...a wild time in Alabama.
Beautiful! Just beautiful, Alan! I'm sure they will work well too.
ReplyDeleteTom Davis
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Tom even the mini brookies like streamers.
I have never seen streamers fished tenkara style. Haveyou ever tried them?
I really enjoy your innovative tying posts Allen. I have yet to tie any featherwing streamers, but can see that it's a good way to go if you want a fly to look larger without it being a plopper.
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