Streamer / Pattern notes

Woolly Bugger

A marabou tail and soft, palmered hackle suggest leeches, baitfish, and larger aquatic food.

From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

Set the tail
Slide on the bead. Cover the shank with thread; attach a marabou tail about one shank long at the bend. Tie in wire and chenille.
Build the body
Wind chenille forward in touching turns and secure behind the bead.
Palmer the hackle
Attach hackle at the front and spiral it back to the tail. Counter-wrap the wire forward through the fibers to secure it.
Finish
Trim the wire and hackle excess. Whip finish behind the bead and cement the thread.

Beyond the bench

Strip slowly with pauses, swing across a current, or drift near the bottom. Smaller versions suit panfish; use stronger hooks for steelhead.

Tied by independent makers

No tyers have listed this pattern yet. Request a custom version, or add your own fly to the library.

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.