Fall 2007 Streamer Productivity: Favorite Streamer Pattern

[Dave]

Hi All,
Seeing as how we are in the "thick" of fall fishing, how has the streamer fishing been, and what has been your best producer?

So far for myself, I haven't fished streamers a lot so far this fall, but when I have, sculpins were the top producer.

Tight Lines to All!

[AaronJasper]

Jointed marabou streamers that look a lot like the T and A Bunker but have bigger hooks ;D and a special head on them olive or brown back and a white underbelly. I also tied some up in yellow and brown and they got ignored by the same trout that later took my gray over white!

[Dave]

Ah yes. . .I know that streamer you speak of! I had the privilege of seeing that being tied! That has CERTAINLY done damage

[AaronJasper]

I think that I am going to play around with the Double Bunny a lot this year. I think that the Locktite gel glue will hold the rabbit strips together like a charm. I really think they look awesome in the water and you can make them in a ton of different sizes.

[Troutbum from Griswold]

Well, I have to say the zoo cougar, my pattern "The Housy What's it" and I have developed a new pattern that is still in R&D.

[alanb_ct]

All of the above, but I think I had my best success this year with Zonker style flies. White or tan bunny strip for the wing, size 2 Mustad 34007.

With the Zoo Cougars, I did best this year with slightly modified dressings:
"Salmon Parr" Natural deer hair head, bleached white mallard flank, peacock ice dub for body, tied on a size 2 TMC 8089.
"Baby Smallmouth" Olive deer hair head, olive mallard flank, golden brown ice dub for body, brown bucktail for underwing, on size 6 8089.
I also tied articulated versions of the above, but right now they are mangled and will probably be thrown out this winter when I start tying in earnest for the spring. In general, I like the dubbed body concept for the Cougars, I heard that Dave Whitlock uses it.

[alanb_ct]

By the way, for articulating flies I have been using Malin Hard-Wire Stainless Steel leader in 40lb test. Good saltwater bait or fly shops carry it. I have also seen it at Bass Pro in Maryland. It seems to possess just the right rigidity for holding the rear hook in the right plane. When you use this material and the Kelly Galloup tying methods, no glue is required.

[Dave]

Yes, Alain, I've found the same regarding the ZC, the few trout that I got was on a natural colored head (thick elk hair), and tan body, bleached white mallard flank. I'll have to try the ice dubbing.

Thanks for the great tip on the Malin hard-wire steel leader. Having the rear hook in the right place would seem to either make or break the "articulated" concept.

Any others fishing streamers these days? There's gotta be more than just the faithful?

[john]

alanb

why are you using a stainless hook in fresh water ??????

[AaronJasper]

They are very good and they don't rust. Also, I don't think the shine bothers the fish too much. If you are concerned about shine you can try the Gamagatsu stinger hook. I think that they are even more sharp than the Tiemco and are also rust resistant.