Mothers Day 2011 in the Journal

This is Mother's Day 2011, and my wife said lets take the day and enjoy what Mother Nature has provided. We headed to a small stream in the Massachusetts Berkshires. The stream was in wonderful shape, clear and with good flows. There were no insects hatching on the stream, but the little no see ums were about.
Today was not so much about fishing as it was about enjoying the day with my wife along this pristine stream.

True beauty, provided by Mother Nature.

We stopped along the stream to share a lunch, and toast the day.

This little fellow also stopped to say Happy Mothers Day.
We both said, Thank You.



Classic Streamers

The "Gray Ghost"



These are two classic streamer patterns from the 1920's. The first is easily recognized, the "Gray Ghost" created by Mrs Carrie Stevens of Upperdam Maine in 1924. It is a represenative pattern of the smelt which inhabits the deep lakes of Maine, and was a primary food source of brook trout and salmon.
This streamer continues to take its share of fish.

The, "Dr. Burke"


Another classic pattern is the "Dr. Burke" This pattern was created by Dr. Burke of New Jersey in 1927. It was first used on the Kennebago in Maine.
Dr. Burke is also known for his illustrations of the flies in Ray Bregman's book "Trout"



Issues and Resolutions

For the past 4 or 5 days I have been having some major computer problems, and that's why I have been neglect in my posting and visiting your blogs.
I have no knowledge of these machines, but I was fortunate to find someone who is, and with their help the issues have been resolved.

But although I have not had access to the computer I did continue to fish.
While fishing a stream in southwest CT. I noticed a small trib coming into the stream. I walked up this stream a bit and noticed a man cutting a tree.
We talked for a while, and he told me he was the landowner. To make it short, permission was given to me to fish the stream within his property.

This little stream was a joy to walk along and a joy to fish.



A beautiful wild brown

A Connecticut native

Click on images for larger view



"Selene"

In New England, located in the western mountains of Maine lies an area known as the Rangeley Lakes. This area is know for its pristine waters and wilderness, brook trout and salmon and fly fishing. It's also the birthplace of some of the finest streamer flies to ever catch a fish. Many of the classic streamers were first tied and fished in these waters, and many of these patterns are still doing their magic today.
One particular lady named Carrie Stevens, a fly tyer who created many streamers, including the Gray Ghost applied her talents here. Her flies were said to be tied without the use of a vise, it's a tough task, believe me.
Another fly tyer from Maine, who is doing her part to keep these beautiful flies in the view of many new fly tyers, who find their beauty, and fish taking abilities the need to tie them. This fly tyer is Selene Dumaine. This women has created many of her own patterns, as well as tying the classic Rangeley Streamers, especially Carrie Stevens patterns. Selene can also tie without the aid of a vise.
I have the pleasure of possessing two of her patterns, and they are beautiful. Constructed in the Rangeley style, with fine workmanship.

These are two of her patterns

So to show my appreciation for what Selene has done to keep this beautiful style of streamer fly, as well as the history of their origins in the forefront of fly tying.

I have designed and dressed this streamer in her name. "Selene"

"Selene"

For more information about Selene Dumaine,
http://www.pressherald.com/life/outdoors/making-it-reel_2011-03-20.html