Herb Welch's 1927 Maine featherwing — black floss and silver under a white wing, with yellow at throat and tail. Built for landlocked salmon and squaretail brook trout chasing smelt, and still one of the most elegant streamers ever tied. Swing it on a long line through cold water.
1. Thread base — Attach black thread behind the eye and wrap to the bend.
2. Tail — Tie in a small bunch of yellow hackle fibers, one hook-gap long.
3. Rib — Tie in flat silver tinsel at the bend.
4. Body — Wrap black floss in smooth, slightly overlapping turns to behind the eye and back-taper it cigar-smooth. Counter-wind the silver rib in even turns. Tie off both.
5. Throat — Tie in a bunch of yellow hackle fibers under the shank at the head, sweeping back.
6. Wing — Select four white saddle hackles, curves paired. Tie in on top, extending to just past the tail.
7. Head — Build a smooth black head, whip finish, and lacquer.
Seasons
Water conditions
hook
thread
tail
rib
body
throat
wing
