#140 - Jim Warner's Smelt

Tied by: Jim Warner
Originated by: Jim Warner
Source: Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon; Dick Stewart & Bob Leeman 1982 pg.38

Hook: Mustad 94720 #4
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Red wool
Body: Silver flat tinsel
Throat: Short white marabou
Underwing: Red bucktail or capras followed by white bucktail of capras (sparse)
Wing: 2 thin white hackles flanked by 1 badger hackle on each side
Eye: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: This was one of the patterns Jim had submitted to Dick Stewart & Bob Leeman for inclusion in the book. Jim describes the pattern as essentially a red and white bucktail with a feather wing, but the streamer has some excellent features that ensure it's success. The badger wing is a favorite hackle for wings to imitate smelts and other bait fish, along with the bits of strike triggering red, there is little doubt as to it's performance. It is known to be a good producing streamer in early spring in Lake Winnipesaukee.