| Woolly Bugger | |
|---|---|
| Artificial fly | |
 #8 black and brown beadhead Woolly Bugger | |
| Type | Streamer |
| Imitates | Large nymphs, baitfish, leech, drowning terrestrial insects, clamworms, crayfish, shrimp or crabs |
| History | |
| Creator | Russell Blessing |
| Created | 1967 |
| Materials | |
| Typical sizes | 2–12 |
| Typical hooks | TMC 200R |
| Reference(s) | |
| Pattern references | Woolly Wisdom (1999), Soucie[1] |
The Woolly Bugger is an artificial fly commonly categorized as a wet fly or streamer and is fished under the water surface. It is a popular and widely used pattern for both freshwater and saltwater game fish and is generally listed as one of the top patterns to have in any fly box. John Gierach, a noted fly fishing writer discussed the Woolly Bugger first in his chapter on streamers in Good Flies.[2] Woolly Buggers are typically fished in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and tidal flats. Today, Woolly Buggers are tied in a wide variety of styles and colors to imitate a wide range of game fish prey.
The Woolly Bugger is so effective, it should be banned from some watersheds. I suspect its effectiveness is due to its resemblance to so many edible creatures in the water—nymphs, leeches, salamanders, or even small sculpins. Its tail undulating behind a fiber, bubble-filled body is just too much for most fish to resist. It just looks like a meal!
— Bill Hunter, The Professionals' Favorite Flies[3]
- ^ Soucie, Gary (2006). Woolly Wisdom. Portland, Oregon: Frank Amato Publications. pp. 112–123. ISBN 1-57188-352-5.
- ^ Gierach, John (2000). Good Flies. New York: The Lyons Press. p. 164. ISBN 1-58574-139-6.
- ^ Kreh, Lefty (1994). The Professionals' Favorite Flies Vol II. Birmingham, Alabama: Oddessy Editions. p. 41.