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Flat-Winged Streamers

Raske's New England Streamers

By Bob Skehan



I've had a number of discussions with anglers from various parts of the world online and in person regarding streamers, their effectiveness in their home waters, and favorite local patterns. One style of streamer that is very effective here in Maine in the smaller casting sizes, is the flatwing streamer. The feature that defines this style, the flat wing, normally consists of a flank feather from some species of duck tied flat on top of the hook, instead of in the classic "upright" manner that the classic New England Streamer patterns specify.

Some of the early New England Streamers were termed "Biplane", which are essentially the same tying style, though the wing material normally consisted of standard saddle hackle instead of the duck flank feather. Dr. J. Hubert Sanborn, of Waterville, Maine, created a classic biplane pattern called the "Nine-Three" the wing of which consisted of three medium-green hackles tied flat on top of the hook, over which were two black hackles tied in the upright style. Combining the best of both styles, this time-tested pattern is still used widely today on Maine lakes and ponds, particularly in early spring.

Below are 15 patterns which are popular here in Maine, though are probably little known or used in the rest of the world. The 16th pattern, Ralph's Rascal , was originated by Mr. Ralph Webster, of Monmouth, Maine, and voted as the winner of the prestigious Raske's Rascal Competition at the FF@ Maine Clave '97 Streamer Competition.

Pattern Listing
Blue Smolt
 Campbell's Fancy


Canadian Killer
 Eighty-Eight


Flagg's Smelt
 Golden Demon


Gray Charm (Biplane)
 Harris Special


Incredible Silver Minnow
 Jackass


Maynard Marvel
 Moby Dick


Ralph's Rascal
 Smelt(Biplane)


Teal Strip
 Woods Special

Tying The Flatwing Style - Step by Step
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