Now that the snow has fallen (in northern Michigan, at least), I start to turn my attention away from Google Earth and topo maps and toward refilling my depleted fly boxes. I have a handful of patterns that I always ensure to tie a few dozen in a few sizes. These are the flies I know I’ll fish every year.
I also look for a few new bugs to add to my boxes every tying season. They’ve got to be flies that I can tie from materials I usually keep on hand, quick to tie and at fairly durable.
This baetis from Tim Flagler looks to fit the bill perfectly.