Hook:

14 - 22 Tiemco 3769 Wet Fly

Thread:

6/0 Danville Flymaster #47 - Brown

Body:

Tying Thread

Wing:

Head:

Tying Thread

This used to be the big secret - until now.  The 3 Dollar Dip earned it's stripes on the Madison River in the wade section around the 3 Dollar Bridge.  On my first trip to Montana in the late '90's, I was introduced to this special place.  Back then, an old iron/wood bridge crosses the Madison through a private ranch on the way up to Wade and Cliff Lakes, a few miles down from the Earthquake.  There was an old metal file cabinet sitting in an unimproved parking area with a handwritten sign stating, "Welcome Fisherman - leave 3 dollars or get toad away".  In August of 2002, the property was purchased by the state of Montana and turned into a very popular access point on the river.  You are still asked for a $3 donation, just for old times sake - it may be the best investment you ever make.

Getting back to the bug, So simple yet so effective.  The secret is the thread, I don't think any other color will work as well as the Danville Flymaster #47.  Olive and Black may be close - but not the same.  I have included a recent derivative Bead Head version shown below, but some days, the original is still the best.  I have also included a photo of the subject location with some evidence to support the testimony provided.