Wilco and the Spiders. March Brown Spider That Is.

Have you ever run across one of those albums that just really gets you going?  A couple weeks ago I ran across Wilco's Kicking Televison, Live in Chicago while playing on Spotify.  What a fantastic album! From beginning to end this album never disappoints. I really need to see them live. I have been a Wilco fan for a while and I cannot believe I missed there show here in Detroit last month. Oh well hopefully they will be back soon. Last night I planned on tying up some more soft hackles and ran across the pattern for the March Brown Spider and instantly I thought of this album. Of course I don't own it so I had to make room in the closet for my laptop so I can listen to Spotify just to listen to this album. I am so glad I did. I have to get this album. As a matter of fact I am listening to Spiders as I write this.

Well on to the March Brown Spider.  From what I have read this is a great searching pattern that imitates several different mayfly species. I know several spots where I think this fly will come in very handy this year.  There is one spot on the South Branch of the Au Sable that I have tied into a very large brown several times but was never able to land him.  While I know time has passed and he is long gone but this spot should always hold a large fish. A deep hole with an undercut bank and a tangle of old logs.  It couldn't be a better spot. Every time I tied into a fish there it was always on a sunken fly so this should do the trick. I just have to remember to use a heavier tippet this time.

March Brown Spider

March Brown Spider

Hook: Mustad 3906 #12-14

Thread: Uni 8/0 Orange

Hackle: Brown Partridge

Rib: Oval Gold Tinsel

Body: Hare's Mask Fur

Partridge and Orange

Another beautiful day here in Michigan. Although I would prefer a little snow on the ground. What is winter without a little snow.  Hopefully I will be able to hit the slopes here soon.  Skiing on man made snow is nowhere near as nice as natural snow. More than likely I will have to take a trip north to get a few runs in.

For some reason I have really been getting into The Black Crowes lately.  I have always been a big fan of their music. Lately though I have been more and more impressed with their music.  After listening to their Freak 'N Roll...Into the Fog over and over again I hoping they tour this summer and hit DTE. Fingers crossed.

Tonight I was in the mood to tie up a few soft hackles.  I have never really fished them however I have always like tying them. To me they are a very elegant looking fly. I will try fishing them this year. We will see how it goes.

Partridge and Orange

Partridge and Orange (also known as Grouse and Orange)

Hook: Mustad 3906 #10-14

Thread: Uni 8/0 Orange

Body: Orange Floss or Silk

Throax: Hares Ear Dubbing

Hackle: Partridge Hackle

I will post more soft hackle flys in the coming days.