#76 - Carrie's Favorite (tandem)

Tied by: Steve Labrecque
Originated by: Carrie Stevens
Source: Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies - Hilyard Pg. 128-129

Hook: Tandem rig (#4 Mustad 3399 hook up front, #6 rear hook being connected with wire cable)
Thread: Black
Body: Flat silver tinsel
Belly: White bucktail
Throat: White hackle fibers and golden pheasant crest sweeping upward
Wing: 4-6 peacock herls then 2 magenta hackles flanked by slightly shorter badger hackle
Eyes: Jungle cock nail
Head: Black (with orange band)

Notes: Carrie's Favorite is one of 3 flies that hold the maker's Moniker. Carries Special and Carrie's Fancy round out the trio. The streamer was put into the spotlight in the streamer community in 2011 with the 2nd Carrie's Challenge, where tyers are challenged to tie one of Carrie Stevens' streamers in hand to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Carrie Stevens day. It can be quite challenging indeed to tie a streamer without a vise and limited tools, but it really gives the tyer an appreciation for the modern tools and vises. 16 streamers tyers took part in the challenge and the results spawned a wide variety of Carrie's Favorite's, and a new appreciation for the traditional methods.