September 2010
This very popular fly is not as complex as the Gray Ghost but it can be as effective in the right conditions. It originated around 1927 and became one of the classic American Streamer Lures. Herbert ‘Herbie’ L. Welsh is credited with its design. Herbie claims to be the first person to tie streamer flies that developed into the modern day long shanked streamer flies. His original Black Ghost streamer flies were tied on hooks reshaped from bluefish bait hooks. He needed a longer hook that would be better for making smelt imitations so he started to forge his own. The rise in popularity of the fly was the result of Nellie Newton producing them for Percy Tackle Company in Portland, Maine. The original Black Ghost had a Featherwing like our version. Herb had a shop at Haines Landing on Lake Mooselookmeguntic, Maine USA. He was a renowned fly caster, who was often invited to demonstrate his skill at many sporting shows. Herbie was also a well known taxidermist, fishing guide, an artist and sculptor. You can still see some of his bronze sculptures on display today in the Smithsonian's American Museum of Art. The Black Ghost remains as popular and killing a fly pattern today as it was during the depression era of the 30's. It is ideal for steelhead fishing. Its ability to catch fish has lead to it being used for salmon, sea trout and big trout fishing.
FLY TYING PATTERN:
Hook: Streamer 4x-long sizes 2-10 Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0
Body: Black floss
Tail: Yellow hackle barbs or yarn Hackle: Yellow hen neck, folded back
Wing: White feathers from neck or saddle, use 4 broad feathers
Rib: Flat silver tinsel, palmered
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