classic Michigan dry fly · late 1930s or early 1940s
Cabin Coachman (Bugby)
Unverified origin Bugby is documented as a Grayling tyer, but only the Michigan Dry Flies archive credits him with this Cabin Coachman.
History
Two different Michigan flies carry the name Cabin Coachman. The better-known one was first tied about 1934 by John Stephan at George Mason's cabin on the South Branch of the Au Sable, with spent Andalusian wings and a mixed brown and grizzly hackle. That fly has its own entry.
The Michigan Dry Flies archive describes a second Cabin Coachman from Grayling, credited to Eggie Bugby in the late 1930s or early 1940s. It keeps the peacock body but uses upright mallard flank wings and plain brown hackle, closer to an ordinary Coachman.
Bugby tied for anglers around Grayling and fished the Au Sable several times a week. He is best remembered for the Eggie Special.
Materials
| Hook | Dry, sizes 10 to 14 |
|---|---|
| Tail | Brown or red hackle fibers |
| Wings | Mallard flank, upright |
| Body | Peacock herl |
| Hackle | Brown |
Sources
- Beel, P. J. "Eggie Special: the real pattern." FrankenFly, 2014.
- "Eggie Special." J. Stockard Fly Fishing.
- "Ernie Borchers." FrankenFly.
- LadyFisher. "Just Old Flies: Cabin Coachman." Fly Anglers Online (fly tied and photographed by James G. Birkholm).
- Deschaine, T. Michigan Dry Flies archive.
Know more about this fly's history, or spot a mistake? Send a correction.
No photo yet. Every photo on michfly is of a fly tied for the site, so they're added a few at a time.
Original recipe cards for many Michigan patterns are kept at the Michigan Dry Flies archive, built by the late Tom Deschaine.