In New Zealand, these streamer flies are called lures, and they are most often used at the mouths of rivers or for trolling in lakes in the pursuit of sea-run trout and salmon. Here in the states, the Waimak Wizard pattern could be put to use fishing for salmon or casting for Dolly Varden in Alaskan rivers. It could also serve for sea-run cutthroat in our coastal streams.

On a river, start with a sink tip. Look for water that flows about the speed of a fast walk, then cast quartering downstream, throw an upstream mend and let the fly swing. Take a couple of steps downstream then do it again. At the take, let the fish turn with the fly before setting the hook.

Tie the Waimak Wizard on a No. 4-6 long streamer hook. For the tail, use two webby black hackles laid side by side. Tie in a splash of red marabou on each side. For the body, use black chenille with a black hackle feather tied down Matuka-style. For the thorax, use a peacock-colored mylar chenille. Wrap a sparse black webby collar and finish with a red painted head and a yellow eye.

— Gary Lewis, For The Bulletin