The Stimulator
The Gallatin Ghost
Blue Wing Olive
The Modified Mickey Finn
Bunny Leech
Elk Hair Caddis
Considered by some purists to be the perfect dry fly, the Stimulator (yellow version seen here) gives the impression of three adult insects: stonefly, caddis and grasshopper. If you're fishing at a time and place where all three are present, this fly is the "go to" pattern. Can be tied in a variety of colors and sizes. Sizes 6-14, 1X-3X hooks.
Developed by Team Olheiser, this searching pattern will haunt trout EVERYWHERE it is employed. A wonderfull all-around mayfly imitation, the Gallatin Ghost is a proven winner. Sizes 10-18.
Pike, BIG trout and bass- for them, this is filet mignon! Tie 'em in olive, black, white, red, yellow- any color one would like to try. Fish 'em on floating or sinking lines- although Rick Nelson, Ph.D.- resident MVFF Club pike nut- likes them just below the surface on floating line. Tie 'em large to small, 3/0-10, 1X-4X hooks.
Developed by brothers Curtis and Oswald McKay, slip this Modified Mickey to fish everywhere from the streams and lakes of the Black Hills to the bays and points Lake Sakakawea to the Bighorn River below Two Leggins Canal. An excellent baitfish imitation, tie the MMFinn in sizes 3/0 (saltwater and freshwater MONSTERS) down to fry-size, 12; 1X-4X hooks. Simply create a thinned-down Mickey Finn with a spun deer hair head (preferably black).
Tied to imitate the dainty Baetis mayfly, these are a standard on streams of South Dakota's Black Hills and Montana's Bighorn River a good portion of the year. Overcast days near lunch time are the boon! Standard dry fly hooks, sizes 18-20.
A classic, great just about anywhere you A fly cast can land. From Canada to Argentina, and a must have when a hatch hits one of our favorite Dakota Stillwaters. Also a secret weapon on Missouri River carp!
Standard Dry Fly Hooks, Sizes 12-24.
Deer Hair Bass Bugs
The Foam Minnow
Bass Bugs can be tied in a bevvy of sizes, colors or color combinations. But one near-constant is that they are tied with deer hair for buoyancy. Tie one of these on at dusk on a Dakota dam with largemouth, smallmouth- even brown trout- and you will be thrilled at the result. Better have a buddy with you who knows CPR! Sizes 3/0 down to "popper" size 10, 2X-3X hooks.
A favorite of MVFF Club co-founder Jim Grenstiener, this pattern should be fished on fast-sinking lines, and it will present nicely to suspended fish. Tie it in an array of color combos to match the natural minnows of your favorite waters. The trick is that the body is constructed of closed-cell foam beneath braided mylar piping. Paint patterns on it, if you like, then epoxy the body. Lengthen or shorten your leader to get the fly to the desired zone. Sizes 2-10, 2X-4X hooks.
MISSOURI VALLEY FLY FISHERS CLUB
