From the time I started fly fishing I’ve thoroughly enjoyed delving into the history and classic fly patterns of Michigan. I visit Michigan at least once a year to dip my toe or both feet I should say, in the crystal clear waters there and have a deep, passionate love for Grayling and the Au Sable River. So it is probably obvious that I’ve wanted to add classic Michigan fly patterns to the FrankenFly online store. Most of the patterns I’m adding are either not found in fly shops anymore at all or are extremely hard to find. There will be a few that are still sold in some Michigan fly shops. However, the patterns I’m tying and offering have been proven to work well by many guides and skilled fisherman throughout the years and still to this day, not only in Michigan, but in other areas trout inhabit .
To kick things off, I have added three classics to the store. More will be added in the near future.
You can find the online store by clicking on the upper right FrankenFly logo or going to http://frankenfly.storenvy.com/
The following patterns have all been tied by me (Paul J. Beel). Most of the information provided is by MichiganDryFlies.net
Killer
The Killer was developed as a generalized caddis attractor pattern. It can literally be fished the entire season. Josephine Sedlecky-Borsum was the owner of Ed’s Sport Shop in Baldwin, Michigan, from 1945 till her retirement in 1992. She developed this pattern back in the 1950’s. According to a former employee, David Roller, this fly was #1 in their large arsenal of flies.
Madsen’s Skunk
Madsen’s Skunk is a tremendous all purpose fly! It imitates hoppers, crickets, spiders and stone flies. It is also a tremendous generalized searching pattern. It may be used any time of the day, any time of the year and in all weather situations. It can be fished drag free or twitched or popped. Many Michigan fishermen will tell you that it’s the most productive fly they carry.
McClain’s Drake
I wrote a post about McClain’s Drake back in May here on FrankenFly. This fly was designed to be used during any time there are dark insects on the water.
As I said, more will be added later. I have other patterns in mind, I just need to work on getting them added to the store. Thank you for reading FrankenFly!
Enjoy your site a great deal and have shared it with several folks while working the Fly Counter at the Saginaw Cabelas Outpost. Your version of Uncle Jerry’s drake is the first I’ve seen it tied with a red post. I have usually seen Jerry tie his drake with a grey/fun post. Jerry is aging a bit and has not been able to tie in the last few years. However, his mind is pretty sharp and have e is willing to share some pretty strong feelings he has about how the DNR has managed or mismanaged HIS river. By the way I one of Bob Smock’s shadow boxes displaying several of the early Grayling patterns.
Hi Gary,
I’m so glad you enjoy the site and to have Jerry’s relation recommend FrankenFly is awesome!
You bring up a valid point about the post and I agree. Recently when Tom Deschaine visited your uncle, Jerry mentioned that the post could be tied with any color. I went with Claret Red because I thought it would help the visibility. I could easily tie it with a grey post as well. I may tie some up and post a photo of that version too.
I’ve seen one of Bob Smock’s shadow boxes and love it! It’s funny you say that because I plan to add Smock’s Sulphur Dun very soon.
Thank you Gary!
-Paul
Paul, those are some great flies that I could see working well out west. I’m happy to see the shop handling some great flies. I’ll give it a try soon.
Thanks Howard, I really appreciate the support!
-Paul
Who tied your Madsen’s skunk? I’m curious because it’s one of the few that actually resembles the originals. Good job!
Hi Tim, thank you, I tied the Madsen’s Skunk in that photo.
I really appreciate the comment.
-Paul J. Beel