Streamer flies have been with us for years. Some have said that native people centuries ago wrapped animal hair to hook fashioned pieces of bone to catch fish. The golden era of streamer flies took place in the 1920's through the 1970's it is at this time that the beautiful patterns began to show up in many tackle shops throughout the United States. Great fly tyers like Carrie Stevens, Herb Welch, Lew Oatman, Preston Jennings and many others started lashing feathers to long hooks and created flies that would take many species of fish.
Many of these flies were designed to be fished by trolling them from a boat or canoe. This method of fishing is still very popular today. The streamers used for trolling are long flies, many are tied on the long shank hooks, and others are tied in a tandem fashion, using two hooks bound together with wire. These long flies would be very difficult to cast with conventional fly rods.
A Carrie Stevens pattern the "Tomahawk"...tied on an old Mustad long hook. This fly is perfect for trolling.
The iconic streamer fly...The "Gray Ghost" created by Carrie Stevens. This fly can be trolled or cast by conventional fly rods.
This fly was created by me...The "Grizzly Green"...a fine casting or trolling fly.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the beauty of these streamers not only for displaying but to fish with as well. Just when I think you can't come up with another unusual pattern he proved me wrong. Outstanding work at the vice---thanks for sharing
P.S. I was having trouble yesterday submitting my comment on your last post. I sent you an email explaining the problem I was having.
Bill Trussell
DeleteThanks
Bill many of these "old" patterns have been around for years and the reason is they still get it done. They're also pleasing to the eye of many of us.
That commenting issue has been resolved.
I'm stealing the Grizzly Green. I've got a pile of green feathers that needed a helping hand; you just supplied the idea! Most of my streamers are tied on Martinek hooks. I've always loved the Carrie Stevens patterns.
ReplyDeletemike
DeleteThanks
Mike, Carrie used grizzly feathers on many of her patterns. I think it may have something to do with small yellow perch in the Rangeley lakes.
It's hard to put the #1 title to any of the classic steamer tyers but Carrie Stevens is in the top three.
Mike as far as Martinek hooks go I've found that the older makes of them, in the early 2000's were of much better quality then the one's I've recently purchased. I like the Mustad 3665A...
DeleteI'll look into the Mustad 3665A. I haven't had any trouble with the Martinek hooks yet. Maybe I'm just not catching big enough fish...
DeleteI'm glad the comment issue is resolved. I posted one yesterday that disappeared. Just said that these flies were elegant ties.
ReplyDeletebillp
DeleteThanks
Bill technology does not work well with me.
I'm sure it's just me, but flies like these it seems a shame to put them in the water. I know, I sound like a broken record.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
DeleteThanks
Mark most times that's what their tied for. Fish can be admirers of beauty.
Alan, works of art and I'm with Mark above, beautiful. Regards, John
ReplyDeletestreamers are my favorite hobby, obviously I don't throw them into the river to fish with them .. I also really like tying flies with Alec Jacson 3/0 hooks, but unfortunately they are no longer available here ... Good post Alan and the color change background of the blog I find interesting. Hug and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteInspiring creation your Grizzly Green, I love it, it has a beautiful silhouette.
The dark background looks great on your blog, very good!
Humberto