We have just gotten word that the one of the most innovative fisherman of the West has died.
Joe Butorac is considered the inventor of the rag and up until his death was commercially producing them.
He also developed some of the greatest salwater flies including the Trophy Flasher Fly.
He was THE expert of fishing in the Northwest for steelhead, salmon and cutthroat trout.
To the people that knew him he was more than rags and flies. He was a great friend full of humor and amazing stories.
He will be missed by everyone.

Details on the memorial service will be posted later.

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Ryan S. Petzold
aka
Sparkey and/or Special

[This message has been edited by RPetzold (edited 12-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by RPetzold (edited 12-27-2000).]

That's sad news. The first time I met Joe was at Ted's. Mike Chamberlin was teaching me how to tie flies. Joe was there visiting Mike. Joe came and gave me some pointers on fly tying. We talked for hours about flyfishing for steelhead and techniques. He was a wealth of knowledge and very giving of his time and information. I am sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed.

I never knew him, but any death of a fellow fisherman and long time inventive steelhead and salmon pionier of the northwest will be missed.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE