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Streamers: Chase the BIG Fish!

There are few patterns more effective than streamers when attempting to catch large fish on a regular basis.  Lots go into their design, from materials with movement to colors that trigger a reaction. Add to this specialized fly fishing techniques and you can see that there is a bit of a learning curve. Let me lessen that with the flies!

A streamer I first fell in love with is the Black Ghost, this version tied with a white marabou wing. The added tungsten bead adds weight plus instills a bit of a jigging motion during the retrieve. Overall, a simple pattern, yet one that has been effective for many years.


Caught on E.P.’s Articulated Streamer, this gorgeous Icelandic brown trout is considered a small one there, REALLY! That is the reason I return there yearly, and contact me if interested in coming along. There is something special about catching Ice…

Caught on E.P.’s Articulated Streamer, this gorgeous Icelandic brown trout is considered a small one there, REALLY! That is the reason I return there yearly, and contact me if interested in coming along. There is something special about catching Ice Age brown trout…on an 8 weight!

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Articulated Streamers

A step-up from standard streamers, articulated patterns have either multiple hooks (when legal) or a hook and a shank to build LOTS of movement into the pattern. Select materials that provide an illusion of bulk and shed water when casting; your arm will thank me later!

The fly that fueled this addiction for me is the EP Articulated Streamer, a gateway pattern into this niche of streamers. Concentrate on building a strong connection to tie the two hooks together because there is nothing worse than losing the fish of a lifetime (in ICELAND!) because you didn’t test it before making a cast. Tie this fly in a variety of colors and varying head selections so you’ll be able to imitate baitfish everywhere you go…and the larger fish will respond.


Throughout the fly tying tutorials, variations are listed, and I encourage you to modify the patterns to more accurately reflect the baitfish in your local waters. In Pennsylvania, I tend to opt for small sizes (1” - 4”), but that also varies on the water type and time of year. Enjoy!