The "Ausable Bomber"

In the Lake Placid region of New Yorks Adirondacks, in the little town of Wilmington sits a fly shop, The Adirondack Sport Shop, the home of the Ausable Bomber.

Several years ago on a trip we took of this beautiful area I stopped into this shop. There was a man sitting in a chair behind a fly tying vise. He looked up and said good morning. I introduced myself, and he said I'm Fran. Well we talked for a spell and I learned some valuable information that has helped me become a better fly fisher, and fly tyer.

Fran is credited with some of the most productive trout flies to ever touch the water. Patterns such as the Haystack, The Usual, and the Ausable Wulff. But the one fly that is not often mentioned is" The Ausable Bomber", it is in my opinion the best small stream trout fly ever.

It is a simple pattern that is not complicated and easy to tie. I have fished this fly in many states and have taken trout in every stream I've fished, it will bring trout to the surface in most months of the year.

When I started tying this fly I used the Mustad 94840 hook, while this worked, it seemed to be not just right. After a few talks with Fran he suggested I use the Mustad 9671, which is a bit longer than the 94840, this helped me tie the Bomber as Fran did.

In my opinion any one who seeks wild trout on small streams should carry this fly and use it as your first fly on the water.

I also recomend this book, Fran Betters, Fly Fishing - Fly Tying and Pattern Guide.

Alan,