Idaho Fish Report

Now is the time for this fly! This is yet another fly pattern from the vise of Nick Nicklas, who is one of the most innovative fly tiers to ever fish the waters of Yellowstone country. The Shakey Beeley shares many characteristics with its countless predecessors; thoughtful design, perfect proportions, and an innovative mix of traditional design. However, there is one oddity with the fly, it was inspired by a ghost.

Now no one knows the full story, but it is rumored that Nick has had a long relationship with the apparition of an old park ranger from the 40's named Shakey Beeley. Shakey had a secret hole on the Madison in the park, which coincidently enough is Nick's favorite river. The old ranger fished his secret hole every day of the season, and always had fantastic stories about giant fish. Nick is also a master of the Madison, but he is always very tight lipped about his fly patterns. As with all of his flies that become BRF's "New Fly Patterns", a great amount of coaxing was required in 2002 to get our mitts on this one. When asked how he came up with the design, all Nick would tell us was that he had a little help from Shakey.