While this does not have anything about fishing, I know that many of you are developing a relationship with Beaver Island. Beaver is one of three islands featured in this one hour special. I enjoyed watching the special and thought that some of you might as well.
Celebrated conservationist, fly fisherman, fly tier and owner of Gates Au Sable Lodge, Calvin "Rusty" Gates Jr. died at his home on the banks of the Au Sable River on December 19, 2009 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. Rusty selflessly fought to protect our fly fishing rights and resources. We have all benefited from his work and will continue to enjoy his conservation efforts for years to come.
Rusty’s work should be an example of what one person can accomplish. Unfortunately, our rights and resources are continually under attack and it will likely take many of us to fill Rusty’s very large shoes. Take this as a call to actions, let’s pick-up the torch and continue where Rusty left off.
Gates Au Sable Lodge, MidCurrent and Traverse City Record-Eagle all have more information.
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Visit our West Michigan Fly Index page for a quick look at our collection.
Carp Fly… Morlock's Goby by Kevin Morlock This fly is an absolute go-getter for both carp and smallmouth bass but on the tough side for tying — I sit on a rock and cry for a few minutes every time I break one off. I'm not usually one for over-the-top flies but this one is worth the effort. I've simplified it in the past but keep coming back to this design, the others just don't fish as well. This pattern is a goby in the water, a perfect imposture. My friend and fellow Michigan guide Walt Grau gave me a sculpin pattern that he had came up with that was tied in this style. I wasn't interested in another sculpin pattern but I was looking for a goby. After years of changes this is what has evolved. I haven't made any changes for a few years, In my mind this fly has hit goby perfection. Best For… carp and smallmouth bass Could Also Be Used For… trout and steelhead ***Materials listed in tying order (this fly is triple articulated) ***This fly is about 3 1/2 inches long Head Section Hook… Tiemco, TMC 105, size 4 Eyes… Wapsi Dumbbell Eyes in yellow, size medium Note: secure the eyes in the middle of the hook, cement and put aside to dry. Tail Section Hook… any light and cheap short shank hook (it gets cut-off at the bend) Tail… a medium small pheasant feather with lots of contrast Hackles… build forward starting with very small, then progressively larger pheasant feathers — the tail section should take between 4 and 5 feathers to complete. Note: choose contrasting feather colors to give the fly a mottled look. Joining tail section with the middle section and building the middle section Cut… cut the tail hook off at the bend Joint… 6 inches of 20# Power Pro or another braided casting line Hook… any light and cheap short shank hook (it gets cut-off at the bend) Hackles… build forward starting with medium, getting progressively larger pheasant feathers — this section will only take two or three feathers as they are now larger Joining middle (and tail) with the head section and finishing the head section Cut… cut the tail hook off at the bend Joint… 6 inches of 20# Power Pro or another braided casting line Hackle(s)… 1 or 2 large pheasant feathers Throat… pinch of yellow marabou Collar and head behind the eyes… spun deer body hair Front head and between the eyes… deer body hair applied with a dubbing loop References: Our friends at Tippecanoe Fly Fishers posted step-by-step directions on the Morlock's Goby. |
Indigo Guide Mark Knee posted a video/slide show of his favorite photos from 2009 set to music. He shows off some nice pics of salmon, steelhead, trout and our beautiful Pere Marquette River. Mark wants to thank everyone for a great year! Mark posted this on YouTube on December 17, 2009. You can also view here on YouTube.
Mark also run his own map business… TrophyMaps
You can view other articles and videos on our Articles & Videos Page
