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.

Paul Bunyan from Missoula, Montana is certainly a true pioneer in the art of fly-tying and also a skilled maker of split bamboo fly rods, and must be recognized and honored as a individual who contributed substantially to the sport of fly-fishing in the West.

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.

Yellowstone Fly.....by Ruth Means

The Yellowstone fly above, is one of the finest vintage Bunyan Bugs ever made. This fly has iradescent wings which are rare..This is the most sought after and most valuable Bunyan Bug period. It's value is 4 figures. No comparison to any other Bunyan Bugs. Unknown to most, Ruth Means was the one responsible for making these spledid flies along with her daughter Dorcas and Jacqueline. Norman Means Jr. tied the fly until 1986. Norman's grandson Richard Rose has tied the Bunyan Bugs since 1994.

 

Rusty Stone Fly by Ruth Means

Blood Stone Fly by R. Rose

Salmon Fly's by R.Rose

Blood Horse Fly by R. Rose

Recently Sold on EBAY - 15 Salmon Flies

Once in a Lifetime Priceless Collection

Fine Reading by Jack Berryman,"Fly Fishing Pioneers & Legends of the Northwest."

 

©2013 Bunyan Bug

Brook Trout Photo - John Beth