There seem to be some differences on the origin of this fly. According to
Dick Surette's Trout and Salmon Fly Index, "The
Golden Demon is probably the most used fly on Black Lake and in the
Connecticut Lakes area of N.H. This fly has an interesting and
well-traveled background. The fly was originated in England and brought
to New Zealand where Zane Grey use it in the 1920's. He then brought
some flies back to the West Coast for steelhead and salmon. Then the
fly appeared on the salmon rivers of New Brunswick, especially on the
Cains River. From New Brunswick the pattern filtered down to the area
northern New Hampshire in the early 1930's and has been a most popular
pattern in that area ever since. The orange throat is supposed to be the color
that is repulsive to demons and is tied in several variations such as the Silver
Demon and Black Demon."
But in Streamer Fly Tying & Fishing by Joeph D. Bates, Jr.,
"The three Demon streamers described above [Cains River Black Demon
Streamer, Gold Demon Streamer, and Silver Demon Streamer] were adapted or
originated by Mr. C. Jim Pray, of Eureka, California, and the dressings are from
originals tied by him."
Golden Demon
Tail: Three golden pheasant crest feathers, curving upward.
Body: Yellow floss (Leiser dressing calls for flat gold tinsel.)
Rib: Flat gold tinsel (Leiser dressing contains no rib.)
Wing: Bronze mallard flank feather.
Hackle: Bright orange hackle collared and tied back.
Author and tier Ray Bergman was also fond of the Golden Demon and his variation
and recipe are also provided here.
Tag: Flat silver tinsel.
Tail: Golden pheasant tippets.
Body: Gold tinsel.
Rib: Oval silver tinsel.
Wing: White followed by yellow polar bear.
Throat: Yellow and orange hackle collar.
~ DLB
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