Guide Flies: The Milk Man
One of the questions most asked when guiding is, “what are we using?”. Every guide has their confidence flies, I hope to share mine with you throughout the year with this “guide flies” series. Currently around the Rockies, rivers are coming down after snowmelt has caused the annual runoff. For this time year I turn to the milk man.
Originally tied by Fulling Mill’s Eric Kelley, this fly has quickly become a top producer in my ever evolving fly rotation. The milk man is a great attractor seemingly looking like nothing and everything all at once. The white bead really makes it pop in stained water, and shows the fish something different in clear water/ pressured conditions.
Eric originally tied his milk man on a tiemco 2499-SP, a short shank wide gap hook. I like mine tied on Fulling Mill’s jig force hook, typically in a #14 with a 2.8mm slotted tungsten bead. Give the milk man a shot in stained or clear water. I know it will become an instant favorite for you.
Recipe For The Milk Man Fly:
- Hook: Fulling Mill Jig Force Hook #14
- Bead: Fulling Mill Tungsten Slotted 2.8mm
- Thread: UTC 70 Fl. Fire Orange
- Rib: Wapsi Wire Size Brassie, Sculpin Olive
- Flash Back: Medium Opal Mirage Tinsel
- Thorax: Hares Ear Dark Dubbing
- Legs: India Hen
- Thorax: Squirrel Dub
- Collar: UTC 70 FL. Fire Orange
Our Trips
Experience the iconic San Juan River and Colorado's High Country.
Our Rivers
Learn more about the rivers we call home and why they're such rad fisheries.
Our Guides
We've got the fishiest and most professional team of guides on the Juan.
More From The Mesa
San Juan River Wade Guide
Why Fishing Guides Love Bibs
