Frank Reid wrote:
I have a coworker who was born and raised in the UP. He's also a fly
fisherman. He mentioned that the best fly to have in your box for this
time of year would be Mickey Finns, sizes 4-10. Will start tying now.


Far be it from me to argue with a native born U.P. fly fisher (a rara
avis indeed, in my experience) and I tied the first of what will be at
least a dozen Mickey Finns myself last night (to be continued this
evening after a visit to the Reinke Brothers to stock up on more hooks,
bucktail, ziplock bags, plastic bottles, and whatnot), but don't
neglect the other flies I mentioned to you. Um......well, you can pass
on the Pass Lakes......I've got about three dozen.

Elk hair caddis, in particular, are worthy of your attention. Roger's
confirmation, earlier today, that the ehc is the crown jewel in the
Scandanavian arsenal of anti-trout weaponry came as a welcome reminder
that the dozen I tied earlier this week will by no means be sufficient
to assure peace of mind for a week in the land where a boy can't take a
**** without hitting a trout. Truth be told, my admittedly scandalous
love affair with the Pass Lake has as much to do with durability and a
lifetime supply of fine black chenille as it does with its indisputable
efficacy, and is of relatively recent vintage. Well, recent in terms
of fish caught, as opposed to wasted years in an urban setting, anyway.
Prior to moving to Milwaukee (which is to say back in my trout-bum
years) I caught more fish (trout and/or otherwise) on ehcs than on all
other flies (including, if only barely, Pass Lakes) combined.
Hm......think I'll tie up another couple dozen this weekend. What
else......oh yeah, none of my local vendors has any peacock sword. If
you (or anyone else we expect to see) has the time to tie up some
Spruce Flies, I'm sure we could work out an equitable arrangement of
some sort. I don't remember whether I mentioned Royal Coachman
streamers. I should have. Hornbergs.......don't forget those.

Checked Weather.com this morning. Ten day forecast for Marquette says
showers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hmph.....what the **** do they
know? Anyway, trout LIKE water......right?

Let's see.......um......oh yeah if you can (I haven't checked), it
would be a good idea to get your Michigan fishing license (and don't
forget the trout stamp) online before arrival.....this will save a
precious hour or so. The nearest trout stream is less than a mile from
the airport......Marquette is 15 or so.

O.k., that's all.......for now.

Wolfgang
um......oh yeah, you're living in iowa, right? have you checked with
tsa about bringing a suckling pig as carry on?