StreamersPlatte River Special
The Platte River Special is a classic Western streamer pattern originating from the waters of Colorado's South Platte River. This attractor-style fly features a distinctive gold mylar tinsel body wrapped over standard tubing for durability and flash, a red darlon throat for a hint of color, and a full hackle wing combining yellow and brown or furnace feathers. The simple yet effective construction creates a bright, flashy profile that excites trout in both clear and stained water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a regional favorite developed for the legendary South Platte River system in Colorado. The pattern draws on traditional streamer construction techniques while incorporating modern materials for enhanced durability. The mylar tinsel over tubing body creates exceptional flash and maintains its appearance even after multiple fish. The wing construction uses four hackle feathers - typically two yellow flanked by two brown or furnace - creating a classic streamer silhouette. The red thread head and darlon throat add subtle color accents that trout find irresistible.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 201R, #4-8
Thread: Veevus 8/0, red
Body: Standard Tubing, gold or orange or yellow
Body Flash: Mylar Tinsel (size 10 large), gold
Throat: Darlon, red
Wing: Streamer Cape (Whiting or Chinese), yellow (2 feathers)
Wing 2: Streamer Cape (Whiting or Chinese), brown or furnace (2 feathers)
Glue: Solarez UV Resin, bone dry plus
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring, summer, and fall when trout are actively feeding on baitfish. Particularly productive during runoff season when water carries some color.
Presentation
Fish with an active retrieve using short strips and pauses. Cast across and downstream, allowing the fly to swing through likely holding water before stripping back. The flash of the mylar body draws attention even in deeper pools.
When to Use
Select this pattern when prospecting larger pools and runs, or when targeting aggressive fish willing to chase a meal. Effective as a searching pattern when hatches are sparse or between emergence activity.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the medium to large rivers of the Rocky Mountain West. Works well in pocket water, deep runs, and the heads and tails of pools where trout ambush prey.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 2X-3X tippet for turning over the bulky fly. Use a floating line in shallow water or a sink-tip when fishing deeper runs and pools. Consider adding a split shot if additional depth is needed.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a subsurface streamer designed to be actively fished. The gold mylar body provides excellent flash that attracts fish from distance. The red accents add a trigger point that can provoke strikes from following trout.
