#226 - Charles E. Wheeler

#226 Charles E. Wheeler - Don Bastian

Tied by: Don Bastian
Originated by: Carrie Stevens
Sources: Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies - Hilyard Pg. 7-8, 75, 130-131

Hook: #2 Partridge CS15
Thread: White
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Body: Red floss / silk
Ribbing: Fine flat silver tinsel
Belly: White bucktail
Throat: White hackle fibers
Underwing: 4-6 strands of peacock herl
Wing: 4 gray hackles (dark dun)
Shoulder: Barred teal flank then duck breast dyed red (hen sub)
Eye: Jungle cock nail
Head: Black (with red band optional)

Notes: Charles Edward "Shang" Wheeler is credited by Carrie Stevens as her inspiration. In the 1920's Shang had sent a fly to be tried out in the pool. Carrie states that had he not done so, she may never had started tying streamers in the first place. The Charles E Wheeler is just one of three flies that were originated by Carrie Stevens in his honor (See Shang's Special and Shang's Favorite). Shang is credited with creating his own series of streamers such as the Magalloway River Bucktail. He was also a talented wood carver, winning countless awards for his bird and fish carvings. He never sold these, but rather gave them away to friends. The carvings are quite cherished and have said to have been sold at auction for upwards of $20,000.