Ice Flies

[RyGuy525]

I know that some guys use small flys for bluegill and crappie threw the ice. Would some one mind sharing some of the flies they use and have had success with?

[JayJayMo]

I use the Michigan style rig for my sight fishing poles. Use any scud like patterned flys, diffrent colors on diffrent days. I will use a jig or teardrop as my dropper weight and tie my fly up a bit. Try and get your fly out away from the line just like a open water drop shot. I use this in finnese situations only, so all jig sizes and knot junctions need to be minute. Play with it you can probbly use it in other applications as well. Flys work great I don't even bait mine most of the time.

[RyGuy525]

so you put the fly on the main line above your jig? The few times that i have tried using flys i tied a small piece of line to the shank of the jig and put the fly there. It worked pretty well for the most part but it seemed like i always caught much smaller fish on the fly.

[grouly925]

We used a twin fly set up with a lead jig on the bottom at Simcoe the last time we went. I tell you what, hauling 3 10+ inch perch up at one time is a blast, but very hard to get through a 6" hole.

[GFHFG]

I use the Michigan style rig for my sight fishing poles. Use any scud like patterned flys, diffrent colors on diffrent days. I will use a jig or teardrop as my dropper weight and tie my fly up a bit. Try and get your fly out away from the line just like a open water drop shot. I use this in finnese situations only, so all jig sizes and knot junctions need to be minute. Play with it you can probbly use it in other applications as well. Flys work great I don't even bait mine most of the time.

this rig has worked for me this last year I used it and caught alot of fish on the fly above the teardrop

[JayJayMo]

I use high color braid on my spool then I attach, with the use of a blood or uni knot, a mono or flouro leader about 3-6'. I will take the jig and tie it to a 6" or so (does not nead to be exact you can adjust with your knot) left over peice of the line used to make the leader. Next make a blood or double uni knot to conect the jig to the leader at this ponit you can fine tune how far apart everything is going to be. Once the knot is secure you will be left with the two tags pick the straightest one (it will be horizontal off your leader) and save it, clip the other peice of line from the knot close. Finally tie your fly on that (tag) portion of the line left over, it needs to be fairly close to the main line to acheive a true horizontal presintation I would say less than 1.5" no closer than a .5". Mess around with this set up and you will get the appropriate depths and can readly tie one that suits or needs. You will see (if sight fishing) the bigger gill, especially redears, come up and lip the fly, this requiers instant hook set beacuse the fish will not enterly love the taste of the fly and often spit it out. Its fun and gets the heart a pumping.
Good luck

[XXXdisel77]

We used a twin fly set up with a lead jig on the bottom at Simcoe the last time we went. I tell you what, hauling 3 10+ inch perch up at one time is a blast, but very hard to get through a 6" hole.

As far as I know this is illegal. Maybe I interpret the law incorrectly, but I was under the impression that you could only use two hooks per line. Anyone else familiar with this law?

As far as ice flies go, it's all I use. I will never use an ice jig again. I don't need bait and always outfish everyone around me. My rig usually consists of 2 flies with splitshot between the two flies. How many splitshots I use depends on the depth I am fishing. I usually catch most of my gills in deep water at least 20'-30'. My flies are one of a kind and I think it's why they are so successful. I may be willing to sell some or trade secrets if anyone is interested.

[Capnhook]

You can use up to 4 baits per fisherman. 2 on one line, 2 on another, or all 4 on one line. Or, 3 on one line, and one on another. Your choice. No more than 2 lines, and 4 baits. I, many times rig up with 3 baits on one line. That way you can concentrate on that one line and still cover a bit more of the water clolumn. XXXdisel77- Put a small jig or teardrop on the bottom, and you'll get back down quicker. Valuable, especially in deep water. You can still have 2 flies above that. Good Luck Capnhook

[grouly925]

As far as I know this is illegal. Maybe I interpret the law incorrectly, but I was under the impression that you could only use two hooks per line. Anyone else familiar with this law?

This was at Lake Simcoe in Canada, not Michigan.

[fishenrg]

The top two obviously aren't technically flies, just tiny jigs that I tied myself. They did pretty good on perch last year.

The bottom is just a generic "buggy" thing Just like in the warmer months the gills will go after the buggy things. This one is weighted, but I saw in the new in-fisherman ice fishing guide that they have some new jig heads that have another eye on the bottom to attach flies as droppers


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/100_1176.jpg

[fishenrg]

As far as ice flies go, it's all I use. I will never use an ice jig again. I don't need bait and always outfish everyone around me. My rig usually consists of 2 flies with splitshot between the two flies. How many splitshots I use depends on the depth I am fishing. I usually catch most of my gills in deep water at least 20'-30'. My flies are one of a kind and I think it's why they are so successful. I may be willing to sell some or trade secrets if anyone is interested.

Let's see some pics! I got interested in ice flies last winter, but there is not a lot of information out there.

[JayJayMo]

This was at Lake Simcoe in Canada, not Michigan.
Thats what I was thinking, who knows what the rules are on that lake, canada's wildlife managment has a jumbo book with diffrent rules on about every diffrent lake out there. I was confused at first but then I just turned to the page with the lake I was fishing and was all set. captian thanks for the info on the exact law here in MI It was a little gray for me before, now I know.

[Pork Chop]

[QUOTE=XXXdisel77;2410860]As far as I know this is illegal. Maybe I interpret the law incorrectly, but I was under the impression that you could only use two hooks per line. Anyone else familiar with this law?
QUOTE]

I never fish more than one fly, so I don't check the rules often. However I have always thought you were limited to two hooks per line. However here's the detail from the DNR site, it doesn't seem to specify only two hooks per line any where -

Hook and Line Fishing: Fish so taken must be hooked in the mouth.
Fish not hooked in the mouth must be returned to the water immediately.
No more than two lines per person (including tip-ups) nor more than four
hooks or lures may be used. Except: on L. Michigan, L. Huron,
L. Superior and the St. Marys R., those persons in the act of trolling while
targeting trout/salmon may use three rods/lines and attach no more than
crawler harness” are counted as one hook. Hooks must be baited or
for taking smelt in recognized smelt waters. Tip-ups and similar devices
must be under immediate control. Hook size regulations exist on certain
streams (see Exceptions to General Regulations by County, p. 16-19).

[XXXdisel77]

Thank you guys for clearing that confusion up. I was always led to believe you could only use two hooks per line. Now that I know that is incorrect you better believe I will be using three hooks this year. Wow, and I thought I caught lots of fish before. Time to take it up a notch this winter. Good luck to all! I will try to get a pic of the flies that I tie on here in the next few days.

[Steve]

I use high color braid on my spool then I attach, with the use of a blood or uni knot, a mono or flouro leader about 3-6'. I will take the jig and tie it to a 6" or so (does not nead to be exact you can adjust with your knot) left over peice of the line used to make the leader. Next make a blood or double uni knot to conect the jig to the leader at this ponit you can fine tune how far apart everything is going to be. Once the knot is secure you will be left with the two tags pick the straightest one (it will be horizontal off your leader) and save it, clip the other peice of line from the knot close. Finally tie your fly on that (tag) portion of the line left over, it needs to be fairly close to the main line to acheive a true horizontal presintation I would say less than 1.5" no closer than a .5". Mess around with this set up and you will get the appropriate depths and can readly tie one that suits or needs. You will see (if sight fishing) the bigger gill, especially redears, come up and lip the fly, this requiers instant hook set beacuse the fish will not enterly love the taste of the fly and often spit it out. Its fun and gets the heart a pumping.
Good luck


A picture/drawing of that rig would really clear things up!

[jacktownhooker]

its just a blood knot- attaching for me anyhow the yellow stren to the leader -the two tag ends of the blood knot ! clip one like normal and use other end for ice fly ! very simple .

[jacktownhooker]

its just a blood knot- attaching for me anyhow the yellow stren to the leader -the two tag ends of the blood knot ! clip one like normal and use other end for ice fly ! very simple .

[JayJayMo]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/jjmoser78/PB220919.jpg

not much of a photo expert but here ya go

[FishDaddy09]

I fish flies a lot. I like a #12 long shank hook which I wrap from just below the eye to the bend of the hook with .015 lead wire. I usually wrap on a single layer of thread first and head cement it. This helps keep the wire in place. Then I wrap my color of choice thread on and head cement it in place. There is no need to get fancy the crappie and gills don't care. I do like to use chartruse because it's easy to see when you site fish. Tie some up and see what works best for you. If you want to make things really easy use acetate thread. There are many days when flies will out fish bait.

[UltimateOutdoorsman]

This is a cool idea using flies. Does anyone have some pix of the flies they use or a recipe?

[Capnhook]

Any scuds, peacock herl, hares ears, phesant tails, anything that is tiny and "BUGGY". I've even tied ice flies out of the lint left on the tying bench. They all work sometimes. Experiment, who knows what you'll come up with? #10 - #16 or #18, and smaller will work. Capnhooks

[jimbo]

you can give your jigs some free flowing transparent wings with a comdom. just cut it into strips crossways. then tie it on between the body & the eye. then trim. (unused of course for the perch milkers out there):evil:
just an overhand knot will do or if you tie your own flies, use thread & whipfinish it.
an old friend of my father named harm dyckhouse showed this to my dad in the sixties.

[Capnhook]

So let's name that fly with the condom wings, "THE DYCKHOUSE NYMPH". BTW - was that ribbed or plain.:yikes: Capnhook

[thill]

you can give your jigs some free flowing transparent wings with a comdom. just cut it into strips crossways. then tie it on between the body & the eye. then trim. (unused of course for the perch milkers out there):evil:
just an overhand knot will do or if you tie your own flies, use thread & whipfinish it.
an old friend of my father named harm dyckhouse showed this to my dad in the sixties.


I'll use latex when tying flies for steelie fishing. Best thing about using condoms (for tying flies :lol:) is you have many different colors available and even glow in the dark.

[Lunker]

XXXDisel Can you please share your secret fly You developed . It must be really cool and work real well. Seems real familiar this secret fly... hmm havent we talked before?

[XXXdisel77]

XXXDisel Can you please share your secret fly You developed . It must be really cool and work real well. Seems real familiar this secret fly... hmm havent we talked before?

Actually I didn't develop it, some guy from Ohio did and it is awesome. I would never have believed it myself until I fished with them. I have made many of fisherman believers as well. I will steadily be pulling gills out wihle guys all around me only get a few. They say I must just have the hot hole, so I trade them holes and pull them out of the hole they were just in while they can't catch any out of the hole I was in. I laugh like crazy and then sell them a few so they can join in on the fun. I am going to be tying up about 24 dozen soon and will try to post a pic.

[Lunker]

Can you send me a few pics Id love to see them Ryan. Send them to fuzzilogical@yahoo.com could you ? Good luck this winter ..im glad they worked for you ..where did you find the glow in the dark heads at?:shhh:

[UltimateOutdoorsman]

Will try to post a pic.

:woohoo1:

[jimbo]

if you don't mind, please list your hook size & mat'l with that picture.
i'd like to try tying a couple & give it a spin :coolgleam
jimbo

[jacktownhooker]

i just got rid of my ice flies from loose tag end and tied them in-line with palomer knot like dropshottin and looked awesome!! make sure hook is pointed up not down !use bottom jig as drop shot once in awhile for real finnese !

[XXXdisel77]

mmac1318, your flies are in the mail! Let me know what you think and how well you do with them. Any information along those lines would be appreciated. If you don't want to discuss it over the forum you can PM me.

[XXXdisel77]

mmac1318, your flies are in the mail! Let me know what you think and how well you do with them. Any information along those lines would be appreciated. If you don't want to discuss it over the forum you can PM me.

MMac1318 I was wondering if you received the ice flies yet? I have not heard from you and I want to make sure all is good. We went out last night and were pulling crappies out 2' under the ice in 13 FOW with them. The fish just can't seem to resist them!

[mmac1318]

Yes I got the flies unfortunately I havent got to use them yet. I am hoping to Sun, cause Mon I am heading for OH for a week or 2 to work and dont want to wait till I get back. I'll let you know if I make it out. Thanks.

[Still Wait'n]

Here's a few that I tied up.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp218/Spawnwalker/flies006.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp218/Spawnwalker/flies002.jpg

[Chad Smith]

Some guys only use flies, I have caught a few on a black fly with a tungsten head.

[XXXdisel77]

I wish I had a digital camera so I could post some pics of the flies I tie. They are one of a kind and nothing like what you will seen in any baitshop period (except for Ohio where the guy who came up with the pattern lives). Nothing against your flies still wait'n, because they look really nice, but they are the same as every other fly I have seen out on the ice. The guy that I learned from has truly came up with a unique, but very successful fly pattern. He gets $36 per dozen at bait shops all around Ohio for them and people are happy to pay that price.

[Still Wait'n]

I wish I had a digital camera so I could post some pics of the flies I tie. They are one of a kind and nothing like what you will seen in any baitshop period (except for Ohio where the guy who came up with the pattern lives). Nothing against your flies still wait'n, because they look really nice, but they are the same as every other fly I have seen out on the ice. The guy that I learned from has truly came up with a unique, but very successful fly pattern. He gets $36 per dozen at bait shops all around Ohio for them and people are happy to pay that price.


No offense taken. They work for me. It would be nice to see the flies you are talking about though. Can you explain them?

[XXXdisel77]

No offense taken. They work for me. It would be nice to see the flies you are talking about though. Can you explain them?

Yes, and they seem to work quite well for all of the others I have seen using ones just like you tie. I only like mine because they are different is all. They have a glossy body with a weighted head and a tail made from strung guinea. The tail really gets their attention as it flutters in the water when you jig it.

[GFHFG]

good post

[jimbo]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/P1010010.JPG

if this worked, here's a few flies that i used in the past. mostly made with floss, herl & a little hackle
i'll just tie them above my main jig with a double overhand loop knot.
i don't use 2 hooks alot because i have trouble with 1 of the flies getting hooked on the ice as i pull a fish threw the hole. then i'll lose the fish :mad:

[Still Wait'n]

Yes, and they seem to work quite well for all of the others I have seen using ones just like you tie. I only like mine because they are different is all. They have a glossy body with a weighted head and a tail made from strung guinea. The tail really gets their attention as it flutters in the water when you jig it.

Is the glossy body the lead wrap dipped in paint with a tungsten head?

[jacktownhooker]

Here's a few that I tied up.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp218/Spawnwalker/flies006.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp218/Spawnwalker/flies002.jpg
good job and nice !!!!!!! i would be proud of those too !!

[jacktownhooker]

Yes, and they seem to work quite well for all of the others I have seen using ones just like you tie. I only like mine because they are different is all. They have a glossy body with a weighted head and a tail made from strung guinea. The tail really gets their attention as it flutters in the water when you jig it.
wheres mine ? ......ill buy some !!

[fishenrg]

Here's a few that I tied up.


Those look great, thanks for posting. Do you have a pattern you'd like to share with us? Are they weighted? What size hook? They seem to be mainly chenille?

Great looking flies!

[XXXdisel77]

wheres mine ? ......ill buy some !!

I have plenty, whenever you're ready to order let me know! You will not be disappointed! Remember don't use bait on them, and constantly jig as the fluttering action of the fly dirves the fish nuts.

[commando]

Pic of my homemade ice flies.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/commando64/ice%20flies/100_3273.jpg

[jimbo]

comando, those look nice, is that small vinyl tubing?

stillwaiting, with your chennel, have you ever dripped them in a sent ,like anise ?

[commando]

Its a lead solder wrapped around the hook. The paint is fingernail polish. These things work sweet but you have to keep them horizontal in the water.

[Still Wait'n]

comando, those look nice, is that small vinyl tubing?

stillwaiting, with your chennel, have you ever dripped them in a sent ,like anise ?

No haven't tried that.

[Still Wait'n]

Pic of my homemade ice flies.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j254/commando64/ice%20flies/100_3273.jpg



Those look great!!!

[jacktownhooker]

will send next 2 days for 1 doz does it cost much to send the flies ? - thanks

[XXXdisel77]

will send next 2 days for 1 doz does it cost much to send the flies ? - thanks

No sir it's not that much, but I take care of that part anyhow. Once you fish with them please share your success as I would love to know how many more fish you are catching by using them. I went out yesterday and experimented and it was at least 2-1 on fly/wo bait vs. jig/w bait. You could see the fish on the vex. They would come up and look at the jig/w bait and leave that alone and go up to the fly and take it. Like I stated before everyones flies look great, but it's the tail that seems to do the trick. Without the tail it is just like making your own ice jig rather than a fly. Good luck with them Jack, you will not be let down.

[XXXdisel77]

Is the glossy body the lead wrap dipped in paint with a tungsten head?

No good guess though as that is what most people would use. These are quite different from any other ice fly you've seen. I can just about guarantee that.

[jacktownhooker]

pmt sent today - im interested as i developed( not ice fly) but same as your set up but for crappies and catfish ! i use a small treble hook with a glow bead (size that you see on walleye rigs) on bottom and sm splitshot in middle then palomar knot on top another sm treble with glow bead helping to stick out the hook from line . ....have to put top bead on first -slide up then knot for top treble -then slide line thru bead again to finish bottom hook a foot or less of line - sometimes use minnow on bottom hook or just use waxxies on each hook and jig . looks awesome and definitely catches fish ! only tried once and caught over 12 cats and 12 crappies - kept half -no need for jigs and probably works for perch

[XXXdisel77]

Jacktownhooker, your flies were mailed out this morning. I hope you like them and if you could give feedback it would be appreciated.

[RyGuy525]

xxxdisel i sent the cash tonight. So it should get there monday or tuesday.

[XXXdisel77]

xxxdisel i sent the cash tonight. So it should get there monday or tuesday.

Flies will be on the way the day after. Once you guys get a color that you like the most let me know if you want more and I will tie some custom flies for each individual person. I try to send out somewhat of a mixed batch the first time as you never know what colors will be hot when.

[jacktownhooker]

Jacktownhooker, your flies were mailed out this morning. I hope you like them and if you could give feedback it would be appreciated. will do - thank you !! do you use a long rod or short ? and 2lb or less ?

[XXXdisel77]

will do - thank you !! do you use a long rod or short ? and 2lb or less ?

I use about a 42" custom noodle rod with 2 lb. yellow stren. The rod was one that my great grandpa used to use when he was my age and I can't find another like it. I have tried to find them, but none are as limber as the one I have. I hold it like a pencil and barely jig, but always keeping it moving which makes the fly flutter in the water driving the panfish crazy. You have to be quick at setting the hook, because they don't hold onto it for long without scent. I think I'm going to start spraying crawfish oil on the tails of the flies for some scent. I was told by an old timer that it really works wonders.

Don't get me wrong you have to get the technique down, because the fly alone doesn't catch the fish. Just sitting there the fish don't seem to have much interest in it, but I can promise if you get the technique down these flies will be the best bait you have ever used ice fishing. I've had some guys tell me they work in the summer very well too without adding any bait to them.

[XXXdisel77]

Ryguy525, Tony Foor, and Danny Potter, your payments have all been received and your flies will go out tomorrow. I hope you all enjoy the flies and have great success with them. Please keep me updated on your success and what you think of them. I have a feeling you may have a new favorite bait in your arsenals. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Thanks,
Ryan

[RyGuy525]

I'll be testing them out sunday and i look forward to it!

[XXXdisel77]

I'll be testing them out sunday and i look forward to it!

I will be looking forward to hearing how well you do with them. The owner of a local baitshop just started putting them on his shelf this afternoon. He seemed very pleased with the flies I tie. He has quite a few ice flies from different guys, but these are quite different than anything he's ever seen. Ryan, if you do well with them any referrals you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Good luck to all!

[RyGuy525]

care to shoot me a pm on the proper way to fish them? I will probably be fishing it 6-8 inches above a horizontal jig.

[tibs36]

which baitshop would that be. May try picking a few up and getting out soon. I tempt my fate at gravel lake channel or one of the others you sent me, but need to get some more work done before i go have any fun

[XXXdisel77]

which baitshop would that be. May try picking a few up and getting out soon. I tempt my fate at gravel lake channel or one of the others you sent me, but need to get some more work done before i go have any fun

Tibs, you can find them at Fishermans Luck off of M-60, or you can just order some from me through the mail. Maybe we could even meet up sometime on the ice. Have you ever fished any lakes in Union? I am going to be checking some tomorrow and hopefully landing some slabs.

[tibs36]

Ive never gotten down there. Only fish eagle a bit and juno area a few years ago. Im up for meeting up with you on the ice sometime while Im home. All my regular ice fishing buddies moved out of state. I went out to gravel for a bit today and only had a few small bites. It was slow for everyone. Hopefully get back out after the holiday

[ehansen300]

I have been icefishing for 3 years now, this is my 3rd year and all I have ever fished with is jigs or teardrops whatever you may call them. I havent tried ice flies and have no clue how to use them never seen them used. I also didnt know about using a jig and an ice fly on the same line. Could someone show me what a good fly looks like? I found one in an old tackle box and im gonna try it out today, i dont even know if its the right thing. Thanks for helping me out! Sorry for being so new!

[jacktownhooker]

I use about a 42" custom noodle rod with 2 lb. yellow stren. The rod was one that my great grandpa used to use when he was my age and I can't find another like it. I have tried to find them, but none are as limber as the one I have. I hold it like a pencil and barely jig, but always keeping it moving which makes the fly flutter in the water driving the panfish crazy. You have to be quick at setting the hook, because they don't hold onto it for long without scent. I think I'm going to start spraying crawfish oil on the tails of the flies for some scent. I was told by an old timer that it really works wonders.

Don't get me wrong you have to get the technique down, because the fly alone doesn't catch the fish. Just sitting there the fish don't seem to have much interest in it, but I can promise if you get the technique down these flies will be the best bait you have ever used ice fishing. I've had some guys tell me they work in the summer very well too without adding any bait to them. got the flies ! also pu a schooly 42 inch rod and put on a spring bobber and 2 lb yellow line and schooly reel - then 2 lb flouro clear leader and tied 2 on top palomer knot inline like a drop shot rig which made them horizontal and tied bottom one on which seemed to be vertical . also seemed to be enough weight . have you tried it this way ? or how did you tie top fly ?and do you quiver it gently or up and down or depends ? have you thought of using atleast one glow bead for twilight conditions ? - thanks

[XXXdisel77]

got the flies ! also pu a schooly 42 inch rod and put on a spring bobber and 2 lb yellow line and schooly reel - then 2 lb flouro clear leader and tied 2 on top palomer knot inline like a drop shot rig which made them horizontal and tied bottom one on which seemed to be vertical . also seemed to be enough weight . have you tried it this way ? or how did you tie top fly ?and do you quiver it gently or up and down or depends ? have you thought of using atleast one glow bead for twilight conditions ? - thanks

Sounds like you are in business Jack! Glad to hear you got the flies that quick. Quite different than anything you've seen for ice flies aren't they? It sounds like you have everything down pretty well to me. On the bottom fly, you can take the knot and pull it down towards the tail fo the fly and it will sit horizontal. You have to remember to keep checking it after bites and after you ice a fish, because it will go back to vertical as the knot gets pulled back up. This technique really does make a difference. I usually gently quiver the flies in an upward motion slowly moving up the water column until I get about 3' up and then gently quiver it back down. The weight should be good, but when fishing in 30' or more I like to add a split shot in the center of the flies to get me down to the fish quicker. No, I have not thought about using a glow bead, and will have to take a look into it. My current bead supplier doesn't have any, so I will have to take a look around and see if it makes sense cost wise.

The flies are starting to take off now as the bait shop that I am supplying wants 48 dozen tied up as soon as I can get them. If anyone else on here is interested in some let me know as I will be very busy tying. Also I spoke with a guy that works for Michigan Outdoor News about the flies. He talked to his editor and may meet up with me out on the ice to do a story regarding the flies. As soon as I can get on some of my favorite lakes freeze up I will have to take him up on that. Good luck to all that have ordered the flies and have a great holiday season to all!

[Frantz]

I put a regular fly on my ice line before. What I did was rig my line as normal with a tear drop and a wax worm, and then about 12" above that, I made a simple knot and about a 5 inch leader and tied the fly off to that. It got a ton of interest and a few bites, but nothing solid. I watched them on the cam checking the fly out, but it did not appeal to them.

[jacktownhooker]

i bet that same scenerio plays out on every lure everytime also ! until you actually catch a fish of course . ......disel flies are more like a lure with hackle on end ...... but flies that i have used are tied palomer knot inline like a dropshot rig with hook point UP and the point in using them is if the fish is not interested in your lure of choice with bait then you lower the fly to the fish level and give another option using the lower bait as anchor and dropshotting the fly and when they strike you have better odds of catching as hook is in position to hook and directly to line and if you are tightlining with hi-vis yellow line as is protocal for that system ! my opinion of using a dropper is to shorten it to 1-2 " and sight fish it ! as you will never feel the bite

[Capnhook]

You gave em all our secrets hooker. Now everybody will be catchin fish. Ain't it great!?Capnhook

[jacktownhooker]

i still have a few secrets and working on new ones ! one secret or actually an idea creates another ! .....the most intelligent people learn every day - how little they really know !! cya

[XXXdisel77]

Jack, have you had a chance to put the flies to the test yet?

[Capnhook]

JTHooker - TOUCHE!:lol: Capnhook

[jacktownhooker]

Jack, have you had a chance to put the flies to the test yet? actually today i did ! nothing good yet as i took bottom fly off and used very sm glow teardrop with flippers and 2 of your flies above that . i cant fairly say if they worked or not as that bottom lure caught all! but water was 25 ft and dirty and fish was on bottom and there was sunken trees on bottom soooo im thinkin next time on a clear lk ! will be fair plus i might not of had action down on new rod also ! ...... guys caught lots of crappie and was using glow hali with minnow rt on bottom

[RyGuy525]

I haven't had a chance to try these out yet but i thought i would show everyone what the flies look like that xxxdisel77 ties.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/IMGP0042.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/IMGP0041.JPG

[neil duffey]

i dont use flies too often, but the best ones i have where ones i got in the jig swap a year or two ago... red and white flies... red feathers w/ a clear maybe glow, platic tube like wrap to make it look like a grub. i LOVE that jig.

[XXXdisel77]

Ryguy, thank you for adding a picture to this thread. I would have done it long ago, but I don't have a digital camera as I must still be in the ice age or something. I can use quite a few colors for the flies, so if anyone is interested in certain colors let me know and I can customize some.

Jacktownhooker, you may not have the technique down, but once you do you will be amazed. Everyone that fishes with me have become believers and now they won't fish with anything else. It does take the correct technique that's for sure. My cousin, his buddy, and I went out the other night and my cousin and I did very well while his buddy only caught one. My cousin and I were using the flies w/o bait and his buddy was using jigs with bait. His buddy changed over to flies and that is when he caught his fish, but he doesn't have the technique down so he was getting very discouraged as we kept pulling fish out. It's not all about the fly and I am not trying to throw some falsified sales pitch out to get people to buy my flies either. I not only sell the flies, but also the system to make them work for everyone. As previously stated, once you learn proper technique these flies have proven time and time again to be deadly even when nothing else is working.

[Still Wait'n]

Those look interesting!!!!

[justinham01]

How do I get started in creating my own? What do you recommend to begin to tie these types of flies? Do you use similar equipment that is used for tying fly fishing flies?

Thanks! :fish:

-------------------------------
justinham01

[RyGuy525]

I used the flies today and had a little success with them a jig and spike deffinitly out performed though. Caught probably 60 fish and 10 of those came on the flie.

[jacktownhooker]

i caught a 9-10 " bass on the smallest fly i own - good fight - thought i had a jumbo perch .....dohhhhhh !!

[XXXdisel77]

I used the flies today and had a little success with them a jig and spike deffinitly out performed though. Caught probably 60 fish and 10 of those came on the flie.

Of the 60 that came on the jig, how many were small, and on the 10 that came on the fly, how many were small? When fishing jigs I see people catch a ton of small ones, but when I fish with flies I get a lot of bigger fish. Also, did you try fishing with two flies, or did you have the rig set up with a jig and bait on the bottom and a fly on top? I would be interested in hearing how you fished them. I've been tearing guys up using the flies and they've been scratching their heads wondering what the heck is going on. I have a feeling either you won't put all confidence into using just the flies without bait, or they are being fished incorrectly. As I stated I have not used a jig in over 3 years and just about always outfish anyone around me. Me saying this is not some sales pitch, but rather 100% truth. Making a few bucks off of flies is not worth getting a bad rap and name on this site. You guys really have to put some faith in these flies and learn to fish them correctly and I guarantee success beyond what you've had before.

[RyGuy525]

I did try the 2 fly set up but did not catch anything. The majority of the fish that i caught on the flies were large but so were the fish i caught on the jig. I had a fly set up about 10 inches above the jig. It did allow me to get 2 doubles though.

[jacktownhooker]

Of the 60 that came on the jig, how many were small, and on the 10 that came on the fly, how many were small? When fishing jigs I see people catch a ton of small ones, but when I fish with flies I get a lot of bigger fish. Also, did you try fishing with two flies, or did you have the rig set up with a jig and bait on the bottom and a fly on top? I would be interested in hearing how you fished them. I've been tearing guys up using the flies and they've been scratching their heads wondering what the heck is going on. I have a feeling either you won't put all confidence into using just the flies without bait, or they are being fished incorrectly. As I stated I have not used a jig in over 3 years and just about always outfish anyone around me. Me saying this is not some sales pitch, but rather 100% truth. Making a few bucks off of flies is not worth getting a bad rap and name on this site. You guys really have to put some faith in these flies and learn to fish them correctly and I guarantee success beyone what you've had before. put on a seminar and meet and greet on lk ? or i can meet with ya and record your method and put on you tube - then someone can link it here ......that might help

[XXXdisel77]

I did try the 2 fly set up but did not catch anything. The majority of the fish that i caught on the flies were large but so were the fish i caught on the jig. I had a fly set up about 10 inches above the jig. It did allow me to get 2 doubles though.

Are you constantly jigging when using the flies (jigging, barely making the spring bobber or end of your noodle rod sway up and down gently)? One day I am going to have to do what jacktownhooker suggested. The technique is not rocket science by any means, but when using any other techniqe they are not nearly as good. The fact that I can outfish most people around me without having to dig for bait making my hands cold makes it worth using the flies on a constant basis. Not to mention the fact that I usually catch more quality fish using them for some odd reason. Trust me, in no way am I saying jigs and bait are crap, because that would be just plain BS. Quite a few guys around my area know me and talk about these flies frequently out on the ice. My friends and family will go out on a lake ice fishing and quite often hear people talking about this guy who was using these wild looking flies and tearing up the fish, so it's no joke the way I talk about them on here. They will catch on soon and once people learn the technique is when they will be glad they got in on it.

[aslongasitpullsback]

Are you constantly jigging when using the flies (jigging, barely making the spring bobber or end of your noodle rod sway up and down gently)? One day I am going to have to do what jacktownhooker suggested. The technique is not rocket science by any means, but when using any other techniqe they are not nearly as good. The fact that I can outfish most people around me without having to dig for bait making my hands cold makes it worth using the flies on a constant basis. Not to mention the fact that I usually catch more quality fish using them for some odd reason. Trust me, in no way am I saying jigs and bait are crap, because that would be just plain BS. Quite a few guys around my area know me and talk about these flies frequently out on the ice. My friends and family will go out on a lake ice fishing and quite often hear people talking about this guy who was using these wild looking flies and tearing up the fish, so it's no joke the way I talk about them on here. They will catch on soon and once people learn the technique is when they will be glad they got in on it.
the technique that you are describing is called tight lining.... its a old technique.... its been shown on mood tv. I use 4lb. hi vis yellow stren to a 7x 1.5 lb.floracarbon leader. I fish that way most of the time and out fish most of my fishing buddy's, did it today..... caught 4 to 1 we all went home with fish....
I don't use flies..... I use jigs and bait but I want to try your flies and I be sending you a payment soon..... the flies look good.....

rob

[Ronjohn]

XXX is right on the money,very gentle jigging motion is needed. Just enough to keep it moving is all it takes.Light line is a must,i use 1# but thinking about switching out 1 rod to thread. I used my own fly/jig this morning,12 crappies,12 gills and hooked 4 bass but only landed one 15 incher. Don't have a problem with hands getting cold from baiting but they do get wet from catching fish.XXX i'm working on making a batch of those for ya,you know how to work em so i know you'll do good. I know i can't wait to try your flies once they get here.

[RyGuy525]

I'm not knocking the flies in any way just simply reporting what happened when i used them as you asked....

[XXXdisel77]

I'm not knocking the flies in any way just simply reporting what happened when i used them as you asked....

I understand that Ryan, I am not upset in the least with your report, just wanting to help you learn to fish them correctly so that you can reap the rewards is all. I just have to laugh, because everyone that lives around me that I have taught how to fish them seem to be doing very well and would never try anything else, so this would lead me to believe it all has to do with technique.

Thanks for the compliment Rob, I hope you enjoy them and am looking forward to seeing your handy work as well.

[jacktownhooker]

xxx - do you catch most on bottom fly ? that may be problem as we are using them on top - so bottom jig is always in the fishes face and has better chance of being hit

[Spongebob Camopants]

XXX P.M. sent.

[XXXdisel77]

xxx - do you catch most on bottom fly ? that may be problem as we are using them on top - so bottom jig is always in the fishes face and has better chance of being hit

Yes, I do get most of them on the bottom fly, but when fishing deep water of 30' or more and the fish are feeding in schools, it's whatever the fish can get to the quickest. I would have to say that on quite a few lakes where you fish 15' and shallower that I get most of the fish on the bottom fly though. A buddy of mine fishes them like you guys with the jig on the bottom and fly on top, and seems to get quite a few on both. I guess it just depends on the lake or day, but at times he still gets 2-1 on the fly even with the jig and spike on the bottom. He is one that likes the "double threat" as he calls it. You would be surprised at how the crappies nail the fly though after passing up the jig and spike. I can guarantee that the crappies definitely prefer the flies to the jigs. I can't stress enough though to use a spring bobber or a very sensitive noodle rod as they bite so soft on the flies and will spit it out quickly when they detect it's fake, so you have to be quick on setting the hook.

Spongebob, PM answered and sent.

[XXXdisel77]

RonJon, your flies should be reaching you by tomorrow. Let me know what you think and how well you do with them.

[RyGuy525]

I fished them again at the begining of the week. Caught a few on the flies. I fished a jig and bait with fly above it most of the time but did switch on and off to a double fly. I did catch one very nice fish on the double fly rig but that was it. A jig and bait deffinitly did the trick though over the fly. It wasen't the size of the fish either because all fish caught were keepers. I'm either doing something wrong or on this particular lake the fish really prefer the real stuff.

[ESOX]

I know that some guys use small flys for bluegill and crappie threw the ice. Would some one mind sharing some of the flies they use and have had success with?
I tie these. The guys at work demand them for ice fishing. The kids fish them under a bobber in open water. I fly fish them for pannies. They work year round. :) tied clouser style as they are, the hook rides point up, making for better hooking percentage when presented vertically.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/P1080161.JPG

[RyGuy525]

what do you sell them for esox?

[ESOX]

I don't sell them. Besides, out of fairness to our paying sponsors, to run a business venture through this website you have to be a paying advertiser, and I am not.

[UltimateOutdoorsman]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/P1080161.JPG

I could smoke the crappies on those mini clousers! I'm gonna have to tie up some of those :coolgleam

Thanks!

[Ronjohn]

RonJon, your flies should be reaching you by tomorrow. Let me know what you think and how well you do with them.


Thanks man,will be giving them a workout. :fish:

[naterade]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/P1080161.JPG

Nice assortment. Where do you get your supplies from; mail order, Cabelas, Bass Pro, other?

[ESOX]

Nice assortment. Where do you get your supplies from; mail order, Cabelas, Bass Pro, other?
http://www.jsflyfishing.com/

[wartfroggy]

Lots of material available here too, its where I get most of mine

www.staminainc.com (http://www.staminainc.com)
www.jannsnetcraft.com (http://www.jannsnetcraft.com)

[tommytubular]

i dont use flies too often, but the best ones i have where ones i got in the jig swap a year or two ago... red and white flies... red feathers w/ a clear maybe glow, platic tube like wrap to make it look like a grub. i LOVE that jig.


I believe Neil is refering to these.... and yes they work!

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/529/medium/ice_flies4_006.jpg

[jacktownhooker]

can we buy them somewhere ?

[HunterHawk]

ttt.... good thread and nice looking flies... i believe i will try the ones my brother tied me for christmas... pretty sure they will work awesome!... the look sweet

[Steve]

I tried one yesterday for the first time. Had the jig as the weight then tied on a leader above the jig with blood knot tag end. Always had trouble with the fly wanting to wrap around my main line. Would like suggestions on keeping it out at a 90 from the main line. Didn't catch many fish on the fly,... in fact only one. But it was the biggest of the day!

[RyGuy525]

steve tie the fly on first to the main line. Leave a long tag end and tie your jig to the tag. This way the fly stands out and there is nothing for it to get tangled in.

[jacktownhooker]

or tie inline using a palomer knot - hook point up and leave enough for jig on bottom . and the way you had it try to tie tag line closer - like 2-3 inches away main line !!

[gaustin]

Wow :yikes:....Loads of info here guys..Thanks....Flies are great and another presentation to use when things get tough....Lots of great looking ones too :)....For sure some talented folks here....I like to use them to downsize when fish are highly pressured....Having live bait, plastics, flies ensures you can change up and find whats going to get the fish to go ;)....Thanks again for all the great info....

[jacktownhooker]

or tie inline using a palomer knot - hook point up and leave enough for jig on bottom . and the way you had it try to tie tag line closer - like 2-3 inches away main line !! actually i just tied a fly half an inch to 1 inch is better ! only using overhand knots ! like tying your shoes ....... my rigs have 2 flies either inline then jig on bottom or 1 fly with short leash then inline and make sure tag line after palomer knot is tied then put back thru hook eyelet down towards bottom jig