It has been many moons since I've taken a stab at classic dressed Atlantic Salmon flies. I did enough of it to know that they are extremely involved, way too much work to ever think about fishing them, and you were limited by the quality of your materials.

Circa 2002, I dabbled in the classic world. I remember being dead-ended by the availability of some of the proper materials. I tied a few mixed wings and hair wing versions of some classics but kind of got away from it.

I had been invited to Michigan to tie amongst a trio of friends. They have been getting together one weekend a year for two decades to tie classic Salmon flies. It’s a weekend of tying, indulgence in good scotch, foods and laughs The trio consisted of a good friend and client from Norlakes Jim B, an Oncologist from Chicago Dr. Tom and a well know procurer of high quality and rare feathers named John Mc Lain. John operates Feathers MC an Online feather fly tying supply.

The trio introduced me to some materials which blew my mind, bustards, Indian crows, different pheasants, guinea, goose, swan and some things I can't pronounce.

We tied three flies over two days. Our first fly, the Durham ranger I was told, was the easier of the two. It went reasonably well. Some aspects were familiar, but it definitely required some specialized knowledge and techniques.

The Second Fly, in a strange twist of fate was the Black Doctor, had a married wing of various goose feather colours and was a little more involved and the more difficult of the two for sure. What makes it strange is that Dr. Kent gave myself and the other guides at Norlakes a brooch with a Black Doctor tied on it.

We had a short time left at the end of the second day, so we tied an Akroyd.

On Thursday and Sunday, Jim took me around the area. This area of Michigan is on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and has a very sandy shoreline. Lots of beautiful beaches, Oak forests, gorgeous looking rivers and rich history. I enjoyed my tour around days every bit as much as the tying. Jim took me to some of his old neighbourhood haunts and told stories of growing up in the area. We even had the opportunity to visit with another long time Babine Client JIm Boss that lives in the area on Sunday night.

There is nothing like visiting a place where someone has grown up and spent their lives there. Everything you pass or see has some significance to them and they can tell you something meaningful about it. I'm thrilled to have been able to accept the invitation to Michigan. Thank you so much Jim for your generous hospitality and to the guys for welcoming me into their tradition.

Jim even sent me home with a beautiful hand turned “Sycamour” salad bowl.

Thank you so much for the knowledge, instruction, patience and overall wonderful experience.