February 1st, 2024

Welcome to the Blue Ribbon Flies Newsletter!

Thanks for taking the time to read our weekly newsletter, and as always if you have questions or comments don't hesitate to give us a shout at 406-646-7642! Our current hours are 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri. 

What's Happening in Yellowstone Country

Winter tying inspiration.

Photo by Josh Almond.



Intro by Josh Almond



Welcome to the weekly newsletter and the first day of February! We're slowly working our way towards spring although we have to wait an extra day this go-round thanks to it being a leap year. We've had a mild winter so far but that doesn't change the fact that January seems to drag a bit and make us all yearn for sunny spring days. From the looks of the forecast, February is going to start with some snow. We'll accept it, as we know it's needed but that's still not changing the fact we're all looking forward to some spring dry fly days.


A few weeks ago I made mention of some big saltwater flies that Patrick Daigle brought in and how sparsely tied they were. The benefits of sparsely tied flies also extends into our freshwater flies as well. We most commonly see it with nymphs, some of the most popular flies we sell in the shop are perdigon or bullet style flies. These slender bodied flies are popular because they sink quickly without the addition of a lot of unnecessary weight. This ensures they end up in the strike zone quickly and efficiently. They aren't exactly the most accurate imitation of any specific bug but they are close enough to pique the interest of hungry trout.


The same principle of less is more can also be applied to our dry flies. With the exception of our stoneflies and terrestrials, a lot of the adult bugs we try and imitate have rather slender bodies. It is very easy to overdub a dry fly and make them too bulky. In my opinion just enough dubbing to cover the thread is all that's needed to create a solid counterfeit. If you're a tyer who appreciates a tapered body try creating the taper with a few thoughtful thread wraps versus adding more dubbing. I think you'll find your flies not only float better but end up more durable as well.


As far as streamers go I'll try and keep this short and sweet as I could write an entire months worth of newsletters with my thoughts on streamer flies. Due to using larger hooks, we seem to want to pack on as much material as the shank allows. It's common to see on both freshwater and saltwater patterns. If you've ever tied a streamer and thought it looked like a dead stick in the water try revisiting that pattern, but more sparsely tied. When water has the ability to flow through and around our material selection it's amazing how much life a large fly can display.


As always give us a call at the shop, swing in or shoot us an email if you have any questions!



Fishing Report


We've talked with a handful of folks who have been getting out recently and it sounds like the river has fished well on the right day. There's a potential storm rolling in this weekend so keep an eye on the weather if you're heading out. Fly selection continues to be the same with small Zebra Midges trailed behind an attractor like a Rubber Legs or San Juan Worm being the main rig. Being able to switch over to a dry should the opportunity present itself would be a good idea, #18 Griffiths Gnats or a Skittering Zelon Midge would be good choices.



Flies of the Week

Skittering Zelon Midge


Bucky adapted our Improved Zelon Midge to better imitate midge clusters that are often present alongside emerging midges on the Madison.


Jiggy Pat


Pat's rubberleg has been a standard in the west for many years. Adding a tungsten bead and putting it on a jig hook helps get the fly down and minimizes hang ups.


Sale Fly of the Week

Stubby Chubby


On Sale! Original price $3.25. If you're looking for a fantastic little attractor pattern look no further. Floats great and the trout love them.


Materials of the Week

Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dubbing


Think of Fulling Mills Microflash Dubbing as a finer version of Ice Dub. Far easier to dub, particularly on smaller flies. We like it for bodies on both dries and nymphs, thorax's on soft hackles or placing it right behind the bead on a nymph for a touch of flash. We replaced the peacock on a royal wulff and it looks fantastic.


Plummeting Tungsten Beads


The name says it all. Get down with your bad self.


Umpqua U610bl Nymph Hook


This extra-stout nymph hook is perfect for all sorts of competition-style flies, or simply for making your favorite standard nymphs barbless. The 50 pack is a great value and will get you into tying with competition hooks without spending an arm and a leg!


Kit Muskrat Skin


Imported from England, these beautifully tanned muskrat skins have great guard hairs with the super soft underfur you'd expect. The natural oil of these skins make for perfect dubbing for any fine bodied dry fly, after all this was the original dubbing for the Adams.


Products of the Week

Vise Fly Rack


A great place to allow your flies to dry and keep them out of the way. Two wheels per package.


Rite Ceramic Bobbin


Ceramic Thread Tube, Small Diameter Barrel, Removable Vinyl Grip, Solid Brass Arm, "Click" Drag Adjustment, 1-9 ounces of thread tension, The most versatile of all fly tying bobbins. Made In Montana.


Fulling Mill Pocket Box


Our favorite midge or Baetis box. The 4mm foam holds flies securely and the strong magnetic closure prevents the box from accidentally opening. Fits easily in most shirt pockets. Holds up to 122 flies.


Jordan with nice winter rainbow.

Photo by Jordan Myers.

Until Next Week!
The Gang at Blue Ribbon Flies
Blue Ribbon Flies
(406) 646-7642
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