FFC Blog Roll

Grizzly King Streamer

Here in southern New Hampshire we have had record snow fall this winter and a large snow pack still remains on the ground. The weather has been warming and the stream levels are higher than they have been in the past 2 years when we have had low to extremely low conditions for the spring trout season. Conditions look promising this year for early season trout fishing for a change.

Browsing through a book of trout fly patterns several weeks ago I came upon a pattern called the Grizzly King Streamer. Probably better known as a wet fly pattern of the same name the streamer pattern is basically the same fly. The main difference, aside from the long shank streamer hook, is the wing of gray squirrel tail. The squirrel tail wing and the green floss body make this a very handsome fly to tie. In a couple of weeks I'll give it a try in the local rivers and see if the trout find is as appealing as I do .Each year I try to find a different pattern to tie and to use as my primary fly choice when trout fishing. So this year it's the Grizzly King Streamer.

I like fishing with streamers, especially bucktails. In the spring my first choice for flies are usually streamer patterns. Tied in sizes ranging from 2-8, weighted and unweighted, bucktails frequently try to imitate minnows (Black Nose Dace) while other patterns are attractors like the Mickey Finn and the Grizzly King. While some may argue that nymphs and wet flies are better early season choices I like the idea of a large streamer pattern swaying back in forth in the current just hanging there for a moment or so, minnow like, and then a twitch of the rod to give it some motion and hopefully entice a strike.

It's usually during this twitch that the trout will take. I usually work my way down stream so that I can use the current to give the streamer some motion. This means that a fair amount of line needs to be out to prevent the fish from seeing the angler.

In swift currents and deep pools the weighted version works to get the fly down to where the fish are holding. If all you have is unweighted flies then try adding a split shot of suitable size to get the fly down to the fish. But weighting the flies body during the tying process seems to give the fly better action and I think is a bit easier to cast.

Grizzly King Streamer:

Thread:  Black

Hook: Mustad 9575

Tail: Red yarn or red duck quill

Body: Kelly green floss

Rib: Gold embossed tinsel

Hackle: Grizzly

Wing: Gray squirrel tail hair