Midwest Fly Patterns Question (please dont be too upset)

[pszy22]

That's one of the best pieces of advice I can give you. Granted some flies sometimes sit deadly still on the top of the water. But most most things that are alive, move when they are in the water.

So a fly can either look like something that is good to eat, or act like something that is good to eat. There is a ton of stuff that passes a fish in a perfect dead drift, that includes leaves, sticks, weeds, cigarette butts and whatever other junk is in the water. Only stuff that is actually alive has the ability to move. At least in my pea brain, it seems like fish might key in on movement.

[ted4887]

Originally Posted by il_wi_fishing

i think ted4887 hit it right on the head

maybe add in a scud pattern for the nymphs

I'm not sure how that got left off the list. Cripes, there is something like 2-3 dozen in my box right now. They've saved me from a skunk or two this winter.

[BlueDun]

Here are my 5:

1) Parachute Adams
2) Parachute Adams
3) Parachute Adams
4) Parachute Adams
5) Parachute Adams

Northern MI has similar water and lots of brookies. I take other flies, but almost always end tying on a Parachute Adams.

Have also had good luck with a peacock and brown.

[awkwardsportsman]

Awesome! Im headed to the fly angler on Saturday. Ill get what I need for the Adams and post some y porn when done

[hairwing530]

I'll add my two cents in support of the Adams, tied traditional or especially parachutes. You can throw in a few Hare's Ear parachutes, HE nymphs, a Rusty Spinner and anything that ends with the name "Wulff." You can cover a lot of water with that group...

And, there's also a great new book out entitled "Classic Michigan Flies" that's an outstanding read for anyone looking for Midwestern-style flies. Let me know if you need help finding the title... Jerry, aka hairwing530