• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats
D&R Sports Center
Clear H2O Tackle

Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive MarineTournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine


On April 11, 2015, members of St. Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers, a Federation of Fly Fishers associate club; members of Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and many others, will come together for the Ninth Annual Tie-a-thon to tie flies for Flyin' Heroes, of Muskegon, MI.

In nine years, fly tiers have donated over 65,000 flies to various good causes such as Flyin' Heroes who use fly fishing for education or therapy.

The premise of the Tie-a-thon is like an old fashion barn raising; several tiers tie as many flies as they can to donate to the cause. Joining forces again this year to tie flies are members of St. Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers; Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited; The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock; Reel Women, Reel Men of Indianapolis; Grand Rapids Fly Tyers; Flygirls of Michigan; Anglers of the Au Sable; Little Elkhart Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Duneland Fly Fishers and many more individuals from all over the country.

A bunch of tiers come together to tie 100 flies each on a Saturday and at the end of the day, we try our very best to surpass our previous all-time high of 13,300 flies raised at one Tie-a-thon.

If you are interested, pick just one pattern to tie, buy a box of 100 hooks, the materials and get tying!

Flyin' Heroes is a program that utilizes the sport of fly fishing to promote therapeutic growth and rehabilitation of U.S. military veterans. The goal of Flyin' Heroes is to create memorable fly fishing experiences that unlock the healing power of the water and foster lasting relationships.

Participants of Flyin' Heroes will experience a unique guided float trip down the Pere Marquette River, Muskegon River and/or the White River located in West Michigan. Each participant will be instructed on the basic techniques of fly and/or light tackle for trout and other game species. For more information, check out www.flyinheroes.org.

To get you to participate on that Saturday, Chef Terry Wittorp will have a spectacular lunch for all the tiers - which is worth at least 200 flies, but we will give you a break. Everyone is welcome, but please reserve a spot beforehand.

The Tie-a-thon will last from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you are not a fast tier and canít complete your 100 flies in that time, this is a good time to get a jump on your flies. You donít have to be an expert tier to participate. If you need help learning a pattern; contact Tim Scott.

As in the past, the Elkhart Conservation Club has graciously donated the use of their main building for the event.

The previous eight Tie-a-thons distributed over 65,100 flies to the following groups: The youth camp of the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the youth camp for the Brotherhood of the Junglecock, Reel and Heal of Toledo, Casting for Recovery of Indiana, Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, National Fishing Program, Warriors and Quiet Waters of Montana.

Here are the flies needed. Tie 100 flies of one pattern:

Fly Size

Adams 14

Ant 18 - 20

Beetles 18 - 14

Blue Wing Olive Emerger 18 - 22

Caddis Nymph 16 - 18

Clouserís Minnow 8

Cone-Head white rabbit leaches 4-6

Elk Hair Caddis 14 - 16

Griffith Gnat 20 - 22

Hare's Ear 12 - 14

Mickey Finn 8

Nuke Eggs 10 - 4

Pheasant Tail 14 - 16

Soft Hackle 14 - 16

Woolly Bugger 10

Zoo Cougar 4

Contact Tim Scott, timelscott@gmail.com 574-538-1936 for information.