Herbert L. Welch

Book excerpt: 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.