Woolly Bugger Fly Tying Patterns: Woolly Bugger flies are among the simplest patterns to tie. The Woolly Worm fly evolved into this wet fly. Find out what materials you'll need to tie Woolly Bugger flies.



WOOLLY BUGGER FLY TYING INSTRUCTIONS

The best thing about Woolly Bugger flies is that they can be tied in a variety of colours and sizes to match the forage in the waterway you're fishing. In other words, when stripped through the water, tying patterns like the Woolly Bugger can resemble large nymphs, baitfish, leeches, insects, crayfish, shrimp, or small crabs, which explains why Woolly Bugger flies are among the most popular of all fly fishing flies. 

While the Woolly Bugger is most commonly used to catch trout in freshwater rivers and streams, it is such a versatile fly that saltwater anglers have reported successfully fishing for red drum and seatrout with Woolly Buggers.


In six simple steps, you can now tie one of the most popular trout fly tying patterns. Begin by securing your size 4 hook in your fly tying vise, and then proceed to tie a Woolly Bugger.

  1. Tie a small bunch of brown marabou to the hook, extending it about 112 inches beyond the hook's end.
  2. Above the tail, tie in your brown hackle and a piece of brown chenille.
  3. Wrap the chenille forward until it reaches about 1/4 inch from the hook eye.
  4. Palmer the brown hackle over the top (wrap in a spiral fashion).
  5. Use a half hitch or a whip finish, and then use scissors to cut off the tag end of your thread.
  6. To further secure the thread and materials, add a drop of head cement.


WOOLLY BUGGER FLY TYING SUPPLIES

Woolly Bugger flies are simple to tie with any basic starter fly tying kit. In fact, the traditional Woolly Bugger fly pattern is tied using only five basic fly tying supplies, according to Woolly Bugger fly tying instructions.

  • Brown Thread
  • Size 4 hook
  • Brown Chenille
  • Brown Hackle
  • Brown Marabou
Follow the Woolly Bugger fly tying instructions below once you have your tying kit and supplies ready. These instructions will show you how to tie a brown Woolly Bugger, but different colours of marabou and chenille can be substituted. Other colours commonly used when tying this pattern include olive green and black.


That's all. Once you've tied your first Woolly Bugger, don't be afraid to experiment with different materials (like flash and eyes) or design your own tying patterns to use when fly fishing.