How to tie the Missing Link with Umpqua Signature tyer Mike Mercer

[@gregoryhall152]

I feel guilty with all the other drys I carry with me. Since I tied this up and have started using it, I have had so much success, this is my #1 go to. Thank Mike, appreciate you sharing, and definitely a go to moving forward.

[@alext.1459]

My day saver fly, and goto fly when i dont know what they are feeding on small naturals...always works....I fished with and met Mike 20 years ago, while a guided in a lodge that he represented in the chilean patagonia...such a humble, knowledgeable,super nice guy!! Always will treasure meeting him and my time spent with him...best regards from chile,southamerica!!!

[@ralfraacke4320]

This might be the best dry fly to fish here in Bavaria, Germany. Varying sizes and colours over the season...it ALWAYS catches fish. I love this pattern! Great Video!!

[@delawarepro3539]

Just wow 🤩 80% of the time! Awesome content 🙌 thanks Mercer 🙏 merry Christmas 🎄

[@joeg5414]

"my 16 looked like a gunship coming through" 🤣🤣 I've been there before

[@250savage]

Headed to the vise .... gotta wrap a few of these! Nice tie!

[@brianfleury5935]

My secret weapon. My favorite dry fly by far.

[@midcoflyfishing]

This is for sure going in the line-up!

[@pcmfmacs9087]

Hi Mike love the concept of this fly looks like it would do the job on some picky Caddis feeders all the best and Hoo Roo Paul from Australia 🇦🇺🍻

[@gsmith9169]

Might be good to clarify the materials list vs what Mike actually says in the video. Materials list indicates he typically uses black peacock Ice Dub and Dark Dun Z-lon. In the video (and others) he states he is using olive brown Ice Dub and Light Dun Z-lon. Big difference between light dun and dark dun Z-lon and olive brown vs black peacock Ice Dub. He's an Umpqua tyer so this is a video to get it right.

[@gsmith9169]

@David McAdams Agreed, it is a great video series and I'm thankful Umpqua has supported it.

[@RoryLynott]

Awesome. Love it!

[@Grouse2275]

Very effective pattern….. you can actually skip the hackle for slower water and it’s easier to tie and just as effective.

[@schmoonkie]

I rarely tie dry flies. I was OK up to the point of wrapping in the hackle. Then it all went to hell. Sometimes the hackle would simply slide off the elk hair--or the hackle would lift the elk hair (front and back) as if it were a post. Other times I had trouble securing the hackle with thread--never mind the whip finish. Any pointers around the hackle part of this fly would be helpful. Thanks.

[@manifestgtr]

These aren’t actually that difficult to tie. I heard from several sources that these were a hassle so I was gearing up for an episode…but honestly, the first one I tied was usable, the second was about two tiers down from perfect. Dont be afraid to tackle this pattern. Especially if you tie a lot of muddler minnows and parachute flies, this will be right in your wheelhouse.

[@nanadolphin]

Fantastic fly! Thanks so much for the video. Hopefully constructive criticism: I’m listening with my headphones and the audio is 100% on my left side, can’t even take it out to have it switch to the right. No idea how those systems work but thought I’d let you know it’s a little distracting Again thanks for the video!

[@billhayes3675]

I've always heard this pattern referred to as 'Game Warden'

[@briggs13a]

might try it but seems labor intensive,maybe i will tie a similar no hackle

[@davidmendez7710]

Would you replace the z-lon for CDC?

[@UmpquaFeatherMerchants]

That would certainly change the fly quite a bit. Let us know if it works for you!

[@louied6065]

Is Mike using the crinkled zelon or the regular one?

[@UmpquaFeatherMerchants]

You could use either since it's rather sparse, but this has standard. Thanks for watching, Louie.

[@jimwilliams-wb9um]

Too, too much talking!

[@leonardwells9613]

Great pattern but WHY the… LONG… Initial shot of a BARE HOOK rather than a FINISHED FLY, we all know what a bare hook looks like…show the finished fly WHY NOT ???? L

[@UmpquaFeatherMerchants]

Hey Leonard, Mike is talking about the fly and his time fishing, you can skip ahead to the tie itself. Hope you enjoy

[@kennethsanders963]

stop talking so much it's anoying.sorry I had to mute

[@UmpquaFeatherMerchants]

Yes, Kenneth, heaven forbid a legendary tyer gives us insight into his flies, as he verbally walks us through tying them...

[@kalikasurf]

I know, right!!! The audacity of this guy to give us the step by step guide on how to tie a fly for free AND tell us when and how to fish it, expecting US to give the video a ‘like’ for FREE? What the hell, right?!?! These guys should just keep all their successful flies to their own damn self! We don’t need all this inside info on keeping from a fat zero on our days off! I’m gonna subscribe, just so I can give these losers a piece of my mind every time they put out a video!! Who needs these unselfish bastards???

[@joeg5414]

The only reason I'm watching is to hear him talk about it. I know how do tie the fly and there are dozens of videos. I want hear the details from the creator. Maybe if you listen, you'll learn something.