Weird Flies That Work: Mercer's Missing Link

July 2026

What happens when you merge an Elk Hair Caddis, a Parachute Adams, a Spinner, and a sprinkle of Klinkhammer? Who would even dare to create such a monstrosity? Mike Mercer, that's who.

I've spend the spring and early summer slinging smaller attractor style dry flies around, and in the process finally tried (and now obsess over) the Missing Link. Fish it during a caddis hatch, even prospect with the fly! For my waters (South Platte) size 16 and 18 feel well matched. But size up more buoyancy in a dry dropper rig, or to mimic larger insects. Don't get boxed in thinking it can only do caddis interpretations, even during mayfly emergences, this fly looks tasty from below. Check out Fly Fisherman's photos in the article below.

Mercer’s Missing Link - Fly Fisherman

Mercer's Missing Link: That fly pattern which links together common features of many different insects, and insect life cycles.

Fly FishermanMike Mercer

Here's the full recipe:

Other Weird Flies That Work

Nymph: The perdiworm

Streamer: The polar shrimp