Ballou Special
Another one of those infamous streamer patterns from the New England region. Originally designed for Atlantic Salmon fishing. It has also seen quite a bit of success as a lake pattern.
Recipe
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hook | or equivalent |
| Thread | Black or equivalent |
| Tail | Golden Pheasant Crest Feather |
| Body | Silver |
| Wing | Red/ White |
| Eyes |
FAQ
What type of fish is the Ballou Special best suited for?
The Ballou Special was originally designed for Atlantic Salmon fishing and has proven effective in lake environments as well.
Can the Ballou Special be used in freshwater lakes?
Yes, it has seen considerable success as a lake pattern.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ballou Special?
The pattern uses a Golden Pheasant Crest Feather for the tail, silver for the body, black or equivalent thread, and red or white for the wing. The hook is optional and can be replaced with an equivalent size.

Connor James –
I used the Ballou Special in a lake setting and caught a few trout. The movement in the water was realistic and it stayed on the line well. The feather tail added a natural look that made it stand out to the fish.
Isaac Mills –
This pattern works well in slow-moving waters. I tied it with a silver body and red wing. It’s a bit more visible than other streamers, which helps when fishing in low light.
Deirdre Kelly –
Fished it during early morning in a New England lake. Caught a large brown trout. The design mimics the natural movement of a small fish, and the red wing really draws attention.