Icons of the Fly Vest

Fishermen around the world are casting flies invented right here in Northern Michigan.

Apr 20, 2009 Jeff Smith

Travel to rivers the world over and chances are you will meet fly fishermen casting a fly or two that was invented in Northern Michigan. Rusty Gates, owner of Gates Au Sable Lodge in Grayling, attributes the success of our flies to the knowledge base of our anglers. “Our fishermen really study the river,” Gates says. They’re looking for which insects are hatching, assessing what the fish are eating, eyeing river flow, and debris in the water. Such understanding of river life gives rise to flies that “are exact, not complicated, but effective,” Gates says. Following are nine flies invented in Northern Michigan and tricking fish around the planet.

Fly Fishing Icons

Adams Fly
by Len Halladay

Houghton Lake Special
by Bob Jewel

Au Sable Skunk
by Earl Madsen

Michigan Hopper & Winnie Fore and Aft
by Art Winnie

Strawman Nymph
by Paul Young

Griffith’s Gnat
by George Griffith

Borchers’ Special
by Ernie Borchers

Roberts Drake
by Clarence Roberts

Must-See Photos!

Think these flies look great? You’ve got to see the full-resolution photos that appeared in this Traverse Magazine feature. This must-see print edition contains some of the most beautiful fly images ever shot. Miss it on the newsstand? Don't worry, you can still get your copy in the MyNorth Store.