I finally picked up a streamer book this weekend (Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing - Joseph D Bates, Jr.), and when flipping through it i came across the Harlequin, which struck me, as there is also a wet fly called the harlequin, though they have little similarity in terms of color. Anyways, further reading enlightened me to the fact that the harlequin streamer is actually a member of the trout fin series, described later in the book. So, I got to tying them Hooks are Allen S401 size 6 (6xl) the shortest hooks i had for streamers. Bates describes the trout fins as being either red or orange in primary makeup, with the red more prominent in Canada for "red trout" - Brookies i'm sure with more enhanced color, north of the border. The orange rather than badger tied down (as for the harlequin and Red Trout fin) has red throat. He also mentions some variaitions on them, with JC cheek, (which are usually omitted), the option of a tag of gold tinsel, and also that gold tinsel can be subbed for the rib too. FInally there is another variant described where by the tail is GP crest, pointing up, with yellow floss tag and gallina throat, everything else the same as the orange version. The harleqin is white black and blue wing, everything else as the trout fin. Had a small riker so i put them in it when they were done. From the top , Red Trout Fin, Orange Trout Fin, Orange Variant, Harlequin Also included some the trout fin wet flies I tied recently
Eunan, what hook are the wet flies tied with? I ask because the gape looks larger than the hooks I have that'd be called "traditional wet fly" hooks. Oh, and of course they all look freakin' awesome.
if you want a really good streamer book for trophy trout get Modern Streamers For Trophy Trout by Kelly Galoup. i got a lot of sculpin and big streamers flies from him. some i even use on salmon. nd for a hook. daiichi 1750 is my favorite for fresh water. and Gamakatsu sp11 for salt water long shank. salt water short shank daiichi 2546
Awful, ugly and disgusting! Send them to me for disposal before anyone else's eyes are pained by looking at them. I'll take care of them for you. No worries. Should the unthinkable happen and someone see them, I'll tell em I tied them so you won't be embarrassed. Now, you just can't have a better friend than that.
I've tied some of his patterns in the past, as well as those of mike schmidt, rich strolis and some others - but recently cleared out all my marabou, rabbit strips and deer hair. Theres no doubt they're great flies and proven fish catchers, but i'm on a kick of flies from the old days. Thats pretty much why i'm tying classic wets, salmon flies and streamers too. Thanks for the pointer though.
Good God! Don't fish with them, they are works of art! Besides, you need crumbier flys to really catch fish.....
Eunan, Thanks for posting these photos and your efforts to tie and share these classic streamer patters is something I appreicaite. Doug Rose, a WA guide on the Olympic Peninnsula, has referenced his appreciation for these traditional patterns and posted a link to the Classic Trout website when citing an example of a fly originated in Maine called the The Supervisor. www.classicflies.com/streamers/s/supervisor.php. This had me brousing the website, admiring other traditional streamer patterns. How cool. Thanks! (and nice ties, presentation and photos) Jeff
Regarding the Bates book, this is still in print? Did you buy it from a fly shop, Amazon or ? Thank you
Jeff, the supervisor is a great pattern. If you like streamers you should check out Steamers365.com. one streamer a day for 2012. I had one featured May 21 called sidewinder. At the end of each month the streamers for that month are auctioned off on ebay for various charities related to fishing. AS for Bates book, i have a saved search on ebay, and i managed to get one for less than $20 in good condition, though the dust jacket was a bit scuffed. There are copies currently available on ebay, amazon and half.com. You should also check some of the classic sites, like fiberglass fly rodders and classic fly rod forum. There are books for sale there from time to time too. Thanks for checking in. My vise is out of action for the next couple week due to some work being done at home, but when i get back to it i'll be posting more patterns Thanks again for checking in on this thread - i've posted some other flies, have a look at my photo albums for salmon flies and classic wet flies as well as some other streamers.
