Tandem Streamer Fly. Purple, Pink and Blue with a silver body
Tandem Streamer Fly. Purple, Pink and Blue with a silver body

Rainbow Smelt - Tandem

$10.99
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Hand Tied
in Canada
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Description

The Rainbow Smelt Tandem Streamer combines purple and soft pink tones with a reflective silver body and subtle flash to capture the distinctive iridescent appearance of rainbow smelt. Designed primarily for trolling Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon, it is an excellent choice wherever smelt are an important forage species.

Tied in Canada by DcTackle.

Why This Pattern Works

Purple and Baby Pink reproduce the subtle iridescent tones associated with rainbow smelt, while the silver body and controlled flash suggest the reflective sides of a moving baitfish. The tandem format provides the longer profile of a mature smelt.

Fishing Notes

Target Species
Landlocked Salmon
Forage Represented
Primarily rainbow smelt.
How To Fish It
Troll wherever trout or landlocked salmon are feeding on smelt, especially around smelt runs, tributary mouths, points and deeper travel corridors. Match trolling depth to the baitfish rather than keeping the fly at one fixed level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DcTackle tandem streamers individually tied and assembled by DcTackle?
Yes. Every DcTackle tandem streamer is individually tied and assembled by DcTackle. Keeping the complete tying and assembly process in-house allows us to maintain consistent construction, material selection and quality standards across every tandem streamer we produce.
Why does DcTackle use a tandem hook design on these streamers?
The tandem design allows us to create a longer, more traditional streamer profile while positioning a second hook farther back in the fly. This configuration is particularly well suited to longer baitfish-style patterns and provides the proportions and movement we are looking for in our tandem streamers
How are the front and rear hooks connected?
The front and rear hooks are securely connected using 90 lb Surflon stainless-steel, nylon-coated saltwater leader wire. The connection is firmly secured to both hooks with nylon thread and reinforced with Zap CA adhesive for maximum strength and a durable, permanent connection.
What is the difference between a tandem streamer and a single-hook streamer?
A tandem streamer uses separate front and rear hooks connected together, allowing the fly to maintain a longer baitfish profile while placing a hook farther back in the pattern. A single-hook streamer is constructed entirely on one hook and generally produces a more compact profile. Both designs can be effective—the choice depends on the pattern, presentation and fishing situation.

Shop the Pattern

Everything you need to tie this pattern, matched to the exact materials used.

Pattern Recipe

THW-015 · Rainbow Smelt - Tandem

Rear Hook Assembly
Rear Hook
Maruto i11 Heavy Wire — #6
Rear Tail
Pink Polypropylene
Rear Underbody
Pink Polypropylene — tail material continued forward to form the underbody
Rear Body
Silver Flat Braid
Rear Head / Finish
UTC 140 Fl. Pink Thread + Fl. Pink UV Finish
Front Hook Assembly
Front Hook
TMC 9395 or Maruto i19 — #4
Tail
Pink Polypropylene
Underbody
Pink Polypropylene — tail material continued forward to form the underbody
Body
Silver Braid
Underbelly
Cashmere Goat - White (Sparse)
Throat
Red Ice Dub
Wing — Layer 1
Nayat Hair - Purple
Wing — Flash
Purple Krinkle Mirror Flash over Wing Layer 1 + Pink Krinkle Mirror Flash over Wing Layer 2
Wing — Layer 2
Nayat Hair - Baby Pink
Dorsal Topping
Cashmere Goat - Blue (Sparse) + 3-4 strands Peacock Eye Herl + Bright Rainbow Holographic Flashabou
Eye
Mirage Stick on Eye — 1/8"
Front Head / Finish
Build black head → apply eyes → clear UV resin → Sally Hansen Hard as Nails

Image Note: Some product graphics use AI-assisted presentation. Fly imagery is based on actual DcTackle-tied flies; AI may be used for backgrounds, supporting imagery and visual presentation.

Pattern Notes

1. Tandem Hook Connection

Use 90lb Surflon nylon-coated stainless-steel leader to connect the front and rear hooks. Secure the connecting wire to both hooks using a heavy nylon-based tying thread. Apply a thin coat of CA glue to each secured section before wrapping the body material to reinforce the connection.

2. Body Construction and Finish

Maintain a smooth, uniform body profile on both hook assemblies, keeping the connecting wire and securing wraps neatly covered. Wrap the specified body materials evenly, avoiding unnecessary bulk that could interfere with the overall streamer profile.

3. Head Finish and Protection

Complete the head using the thread and finishing materials specified in the individual pattern recipe. Apply a final clear protective coat of Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails to improve durability and provide a smooth, glossy finish.

4. Rear Hook Safety During Tying

Before constructing the tandem streamer, place a short section of 3/32" silicone tubing over the rear hook point. This provides a protective covering while handling and dressing the front assembly, reducing the risk of accidental hook punctures. Remove the tubing once tying is complete.

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Discover 12 single-hook hairwing streamer patterns in our free downloadable guide, complete with detailed tying recipes, material selections, and practical construction notes from the DcTackle tying bench.

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