Black Ghost
The Black Ghost is a legendary Carrie Stevens streamer with a black body, yellow accents, and white wing, built for trout, landlocked salmon, and lake-run fish. It supports searches like Black Ghost streamer, Carrie Stevens fly, classic trout streamer, and best traditional streamer flies.
Imitates: Smelt, minnows, and bright baitfish silhouettes
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #2-8
- Best Season
- Spring and fall, plus low-light lake fishing
- Best Conditions
- Lakes, big pools, streamer banks, and baitfish migrations
- Water Temp
- 38-58°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 0X-3X
How to Rig It
Fish on a sink-tip or intermediate line when trout are chasing baitfish.
How to Present It
Use smooth strips with pauses so the wing flares and settles like a wounded minnow.
Why It Works
The high contrast of black, white, and yellow makes the profile visible without looking unnatural.
History
Carrie Stevens created the Black Ghost in Maine in the 1920s, and it remains one of America's most famous streamers.
Pro Tip
Fish it at dawn, dusk, or under cloud cover when trout hunt by silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Black Ghost only for salmon?+
No. It is famous for landlocked salmon, but it is also a proven trout streamer in lakes and rivers.
Not sure if Black Ghost is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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