The Skykomish Sunrise is an old-time pattern that's still used successfully. Just proving that in our rush to use the latest, greatest, newest we sometimes forget that there's a reason the old standbys reached that status. In short, they work.
Another group of great old-timers are the so-called Soo Flies. Before Lake Michigan dies there lived a race of giant rainbows in the St. Mary's River, near Sioux Locks. Big fish and big current (what's that remind you West Coasters of?) demanded flies that could handle those conditions.
More a style of tying than specific patterns, the Soo Flies still take more than their share of steelies for those who know about them. You can find patterns and some of their history here: [url "http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com/fishing-flies-sooflies.html"]http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com/fishing-flies-sooflies.html[/url]
The Great Lakes has developed many fly patterns that are either unknown to West Coasters, or little used by them. A real shame, because some of them are incredibly effective.
One of the best of them is the Spring's Wiggler. You don't see it tied commercially too often, because it's a two-part, hinged fly. But fish can't seem to resist it. It's actually easy to tie if you have a tube-fly adaptor for your vise. Otherwise it can be a PITA. But, IMO, worth the effort.
I've often thought, too, that many of the Atlantic salmon tube fly patterns would work well for steelies. Never put it to the test though.
Brook
http://www.the-outdoor-sports-advisor.com
[signature]