Herb Welch, the inventor of the still popular streamer pattern, the Black Ghost, is Maine's first and only celebrity guide to gain international status. With over 200 images including archival black and white and color images by photographer John Swan, this book documents the incredible life and work of a man that excelled in art, sculpture, taxidermy (he was the premiere fish taxidermist of his day), demonstration fly casting at major North American venues, and guiding. In addition, the Hilyards include never before published streamer patterns from the Rangeley region, including nine named streamers originated/adapted and tied by Herbert Welch as well as ten newly identified streamers originated and tied by Carrie Stevens, including her only known early wet fly pattern.

About the Author
Graydon Hilyard is the author of Bogdan (Amato, 9781571883988) and is coauthor, with his son, Leslie, of Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies (978-0811703536, Stackpole Books). He is a leading scholar of Maine fly fishing and fly tying history. He divides his time between Massachusetts and Maine. Leslie Hilyard is an expert fly tier, specializing in Welch and Carrie Stevens streamer patterns from the Rangeley region. Both serve as consultants to the Rangeley Sporting Heritage Museum founded in 2010 in Oquossoc, Maine.


Book Information
ISBN 9780811737760
Author Graydon Hilyard
Format Hardback
Page Count 200
Imprint Stackpole Books
Publisher Stackpole Books
Weight(grams) 925g
Dimensions(mm) 287mm * 222mm * 16mm