#86 - Dusky Smelt

Tied by: Darren MacEachern
Originated by: Don Wilson
Sources: Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing - Wilson Pg. 25

Hook: 3907b #4
Thread: White
Tag: Silver flat tinsel
Body: White floss
Belly: White bucktail
Wing: 2 blue hackle flanked by grizzly hackles
Shoulder: Mallard flank
Topping: Peacock herl
Eyes: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: Don designed the streamer as a gradient pattern to imitate the blue phase of the smelt. The fly works well as both a casting streamer or a trolling streamer tied in larger sizes. I am a fan of the dark peacock herl topping, and while they are wet, they behave quite well, but while dry, they can look quite unruly. I use finer herl from eye sticks and tie it with the natural curve of the feather cupping the shape of the hackle.

If you are looking for a copy of Don's book, you can contact Christine Wilson - Adventures in Angling
Attn: Christine D. Wilson 84 Main Street
Newfields, NH 03856-0322
Phone: 603-772-5009
Fax: 603-772-7028
Email: cmdwilson@comcast.net