I know it has been slow here on FrankenFly the last week, but if you read my last update, you know I have been in Michigan. I thought I would write a few different posts highlighting the trip. To kick it off, a visit to Mayfield Pond.
Mayfield Pond
This year my cabin was only 10 minutes away from Mayfield Pond where the most famous fly in the country, the Adams, was born. I didn’t have time to tie an Adams, but Leonard Halladay actually tested all of his flies at the pond. I had a Halladay Hair Stone that I had tied up, so I put that on my line and gave it a float. The pond is in a very peaceful park which made it enjoyable to fish and relax. The pond was created by the damming of Swainston Creek, a tributary of the Boardman River. I did switch to a small streamer and worked some of the water. No bites, but it was a pleasure and an honor to fish this historic pond.
A sign explaining the functionality of Mayfield Pond.
The Halladay Hair Stone that I mentioned above was said to be Len’s favorite fly. It is a general pattern that can be used to imitate a variety of insects. Mr. Halladay added the red tail because he said he wanted it to not only attract fish, but fishermen themselves. The one below is tied by me (Paul J. Beel).
Halladay Hair Stone
Recipe:
Hook: Mustad Dry Fly Size: 8-12
Thread: Black, 6/0
Tail: Pig Bristles, 2 or 3, dyed red
Wings: Deer Hair, tied spent
Body: Gray Yarn
Rib: Yellow Monocord, 3/0
Hackle: Brown & Grizzly mixed, 2 brown an one grizzly.
It’s been many years since I last visited Michigan but I have to say I didn’t have a bad day there. The possibilities were always endless as far as beautiful places to fish. I look forward to more Michigan posts. (What? No Adams tied?)
Thanks Howard!
Haha, nope on the Adams. I’ve been so busy tying orders, I didn’t have a chance to tie for myself.
Great to see another fly I can add to the arsenal.
tight lines,
Koz
Glad you like it, thanks Koz!