StreamersSwim Coach Articulated Streamer
The Swim Coach Articulated Streamer is Charlie Craven's go-to streamer pattern that came to life after a memorable day fishing in Wyoming with guide Blake Clark. This articulated design features a trailing hook connected with intruder wire and combines flashy ice dub with the natural movement of possum strips and dyed mallard flank. The pattern excels at triggering aggressive strikes from big trout.
Year Round
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the effectiveness of articulated streamers with multiple material textures. The pattern combines the flash of Ice Dub with the natural undulation of possum strips and mallard flank. The articulated design allows the trailing hook to move independently, creating lifelike swimming action that triggers aggressive strikes. The holographic dome eyes add attraction while the lead wire ensures the fly gets down quickly in the water column.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 2461, #2 (front) and #4 (rear)
Thread: Veevus 8/0, olive
Bead: Gold 5mm (head) and olive 3D bead (articulation)
Eyes: Holographic Dome, 6mm, gold
Weight: Lead wire, .020"
Connection: Senyo's Intruder Trailer Wire, thin
Spreader: Ice Dub, gold
Collar: Possum strips, yellow and olive
Hackle: Mallard Flank, dyed olive and chartreuse
Body: Ice Dub, gold
Wing: Ripple Ice Fiber, light olive, sand, and yellow
Head: Possum, light olive
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness, but particularly productive when trout are feeding aggressively on baitfish in spring and fall.
Presentation
Strip with varied retrieves - short quick strips, long slow pulls, or erratic jerk-pause-jerk motions. The articulated design creates movement even during pauses. Cast tight to structure, banks, and likely holding lies.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting large, aggressive trout that are keyed in on baitfish. Ideal for days when smaller patterns are being ignored and you need something substantial to move fish.
Water Type
Designed for moving water in rivers and streams. Fish behind boulders, in deep runs, undercut banks, and any structure where big trout wait to ambush prey.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 7-9 weight rod with a sink tip or full sinking line depending on water depth. Use 0X-2X fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance and turnover of the larger fly.
Visibility & Floatation
The gold Ice Dub provides flash while the olive, chartreuse, and yellow tones mimic natural baitfish coloration. The possum and mallard materials pulse and breathe in the current, creating irresistible movement.
