Norman Means. There are not many people in Montana or elsewhere, who know this man by his true name, but there are many fine anglers world wide who haven't heard of Paul Bunyan and his famous Bunyan Bugs There are only a few who are aware that the series consists of a wide variety of insects - at one time there were about thirity-five distinct artificals.The construction of the Bunyan Bug is unique and has no parallel among other Montana or western trout flies. It is a reflection of the ingenuity of it's originator, and has no history of Montana trout flies or fly fishing could be complete without a discussion of the famous Bunyan Bug.
This fly certainly occupies a unique position in the past and present heritage of fly fishing. It's a fly that has truly survived the test of time. Bunyan Bugs have caught mammoth trout and bass on the western rivers of the Rocky Mountains.Today Bunyan Bugs are made on occasion by Norman's grandson Richard Rose. Very time consuming considering the materials are not readily available.
Check out John Beth and Jimmy Ternent who have made Bunyan Bugs. They are fine fly tiers and fisherman who followed the receipe. The art of making Bunyan Bugs is for those who have respect for the creator and it's heritage.
