Many of the feather wing streamers created for fishing in the northeast were tied to represent the smelt. Smelt are found in many cold water lakes and are the primary food sources of salmon and trout which also inhabit these same lakes. The smelt can vary in color depending at what depth they may be found. Some when looked at seem to be transparent. I know of a few lakes in Connecticut where smelt can be found. When ice fishing we seek out these little fish, they are excellent table fare.
While most of my fishing is done in small streams, there are times when I'll fish a few of these smelt lakes, primarily in the early Spring. Fishing one of these smelt patterns will usually bring a nice brown to the net.
"Yankee Smelt"
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