#203 - Colonel Bates

Tied by: Don Bastian
Originated by: Carrie G. Stevens
Source: Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorites Trout and Salmon Flies pg. 40, Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing pg. 256-257

Hook: #1 8xl Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek Rangeley Streamer
Thread: Red
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Tail: Red duck (or swan) wing feather
Body: Flat silver tinsel
Throat: Dark brown hackle fibers
Wing: 2 yellow hackles flanked by slightly shorter white hackle
Shoulder: Gray teal breast feather
Eye: jungle cock nail
Head: Red with a black band

Notes: The fly was created by Carrie Stevens in honor of Colonel Joseph D. Bates, Jr. author of Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing among others. It is interesting to note that as Col. Bates rank increased in the military, so too did the fly, starting out as Captain Bates at the start of World War II, transitioning to Major Bates and finally Colonel Bates. Carrie Stevens had written that the fly was second only to her world famous Grey Ghost in popularity among her clients. It is a successful pattern for salmon, bass and trout, particularly in stained water, and was also proven successful in salt waters for targeting tarpon, bonefish, striped bass and other salty critters.