Most important Montana tiers

A place to discuss the collecting and tying of classic flies, the tyers who made them famous, the tools, materials and techniques they used as well as the waters they were designed for. While classic is generally used to describe old things, classic is also used in the sense of first class or in the highest form. Therefore a fully dressed Salmon Fly, or a Carrie Stevens Streamer are just as much classics as a Chernobyl Ant would be. Enjoy the forum.

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spittendrigh
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Most important Montana tiers

#1

Post by spittendrigh »

Montana's historical tiers form an impressive list: Franz Pott, George Croonenbergs, Jack Borhme, George Grant, Don Martinez, Dan Bailey, Pat and Sig Barnes, Chester Marion and.....my mind is jelly, who did I forget?

Contemporary Montana tiers are an
impressive list too: Bob Jacklin , Dan Delekta
Kelly Gallup, Brad Richey, George Anderson, Bill Blackburn etc.....will save exit and return as nature is calling.

Who have I missed among the most amazing contemporary Montana tiers?
Last edited by spittendrigh on 08/31/24 22:41, edited 4 times in total.

PT48
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#2

Post by PT48 »

Our very own hellmtflies is a highly accomplished tier. He also has a vast knowledge of patterns.

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Brooks
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#3

Post by Brooks »

I would add Craig Mathews, John Jurasek, John Foust, Johnny Boyd, Scott Sanchez

Bob G
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#4

Post by Bob G »

Al Troth

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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#5

Post by JPT »

Norman Means, his wife, daughter and son.

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Hellmtflies
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#6

Post by Hellmtflies »

Important or talented? If important then, as above, I would also vote for Bill Blackburn of Bozeman. For talented I would add Joe Peltier of Rock Creek Trout Bums and Bob Jacklin of West Yellowstone.
Last edited by Hellmtflies on 09/01/24 12:19, edited 3 times in total.

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Brooks
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#7

Post by Brooks »

Bob G wrote:
08/31/24 23:14
Al Troth
Yes!

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Hellmtflies
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#8

Post by Hellmtflies »

Brooks wrote:
09/01/24 10:09
Bob G wrote:
08/31/24 23:14
Al Troth
Yes!
Ditto.

spittendrigh
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#9

Post by spittendrigh »

Historical Montana tiers who have attained greatness form an Impressive list, including Frans Pott, Norman Means, George Croonenbergs, Don Martinez, George Grant, Dan Bailey, Pat Barnes, Al Troth and perhaps a few others...


Creative and still practicing Montana tiers include Bob Jacklin, Craig Matthew's, Dan Delekta, Kelly Gallup, Bill Blackburn, Brad Richey, George Anderson, Scott Sanchez .......(Working on Joe Peltier)....and others..

dborjas
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#10

Post by dborjas »

Hellmtflies wrote:
09/01/24 12:17
Brooks wrote:
09/01/24 10:09
Bob G wrote:
08/31/24 23:14
Al Troth
Yes!
Ditto.
Double ditto!

PYochim
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#11

Post by PYochim »

I can’t think of anyone who has not been mentioned but we have our share of good ones in Wyoming.

16pmd
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#12

Post by 16pmd »

Gary Lafontaine, Datus Proper. Also Jack Horner, who was from CA, but spent all of many summers in MT and originated the Horner Deerhair, whose name was changed to Humpy or Goofus Bug.

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Hellmtflies
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#13

Post by Hellmtflies »

OH Yeah! Thank you 16PMD. I forgot Garry Lafontaine. He was incredibly diverse in patterns and had the documented research to back up his innovations. Top shelf!

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Brooks
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#14

Post by Brooks »

PYochim wrote:
09/01/24 19:15
I can’t think of anyone who has not been mentioned but we have our share of good ones in Wyoming.
Let’s keep this going with Wyoming tyers:
Jack Dennis, Scott Sanchez (again), Jay Buckner, Jim Jones, Guy Turck, Will Dornan, Howard Cole, Steve Hilbers, Hale Harris…..

Who else?

PYochim
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#15

Post by PYochim »

Brooks wrote:
09/02/24 16:30
Let’s keep this going with Wyoming tyers:
Bob Krumm, Gordon Rose, Brett Smith, John Madia, Chazz Davis, Paul Dubas

jvanbruggen
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#16

Post by jvanbruggen »

I like this thread of important and talented tiers by state. How about Colorado?
My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it.

spittendrigh
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#17

Post by spittendrigh »

Good idea. New thread for different state?

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tiptop
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#18

Post by tiptop »

I have no idea if Chuck Stranahan (Hamilton, MT) qualifies as "important" but he has made popular his "Brindlechute" which was originally only available in his shop but I've seen them in other MT shops in the last few years. I'm sure Chuck would argue that the materials used are inferior to his originals :)

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roycestearns
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#19

Post by roycestearns »

Gary L. was important with a capital I. nobody did as much research (diving), research and testing as Gary.
All the other historical, Potts, Means, Grant, etc are important with their contributions.
Dan Bailey ... maybe from an establishment of a tying industry standpoint in MT., but that is not the same as some of the early contributions and research that was done. I personally like Gallups efforts. And I'm influenced by many of the MT Tyers including you!

Sandy P, you've been innovative, like the Marshmallow nymph, knucklehead sculpin, diving darts etc.. I have set aside some of your ties for personal reference. The thought process has been the most influential for my tying.

I love the classics, but it's the ideas that continue to inspire me.

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Norm Frechette
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Re: Most important Montana tiers

#20

Post by Norm Frechette »

mike lawson

doug swisher

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