The Ubiquitous Woolly Bugger

The ubiquitous Woolly Bugger, never quite spelled correctly to my eyes, appeals to the eyes of every gamefish imaginable. If I had one pattern to fish the rest of my life, no matter what the fish, no matter what the conditions, this would be it. Steelhead, Trout, Salmon, Bass, Shad, Pike, you name it, they will hit this pattern. And the best thing? Usually the fish will be bigger than average, the strikes harder than average, and the action better than average.

The origins of the Woolly Bugger can be traced back to the Old English pattern the Woolly Worm, which is also a very effective pattern. Most credit Russell Blessing with the actual invention of the Woolly Bugger in the early 1970's in Pennsylvania. Although, Jack Dennis claims it is a variation of the Black Martinez popularized in the West. And still others claim it was originally a Bass imitation developed in the late 1800's in Missouri. Whatever the origins the popularity of this pattern cannot be denied.

Besides being used for all game fish, the Bugger's popularity can also be attributed to its versatility. It can be tied in almost every color imaginable. The most popular color's are black, brown and olive, with purple and white right behind. But almost every color has been tied, and different color combinations are often used on the same fly. Another characteristic that makes the bugger so popular, is that you can't fish it wrong. Okay if fish are slurping delicately on #24 Tri-co spinners, you don't want to plunk a #6 Bugger right in the center of them. But if you are searching sub-surface for any kind of fish, in any kind of water, you could do a lot worse than selecting the woolly bugger.

What fish think they are hitting when they hit a Bugger is somewhat a mystery. To human's eyes it could be a bait fish, a leech, a grub, a cricket, a stonefly, a dragonfly nymph, a damselfly nymph, the list is endless. And perhaps that is what makes it such a great all-purpose pattern. It is a nymph, a streamer, and an attractor all in one. We'll let the fish classify it.

New twists on this pattern have even added to its effectiveness. Now usually tied with krystal flash or flashabou in its tail, for added attraction. A wire rib counter-wrapped through the hackle can also add flash and more importantly durability. It seems the history of the Bugger is still being written and while we all try ways to 'improve' this most popular pattern. Fish, that put in a whole lot less thought about this pattern will curse the day Mr. Blessing or whoever first tied one on a hook.

About The Author

Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Co. at http://www.bigyflyco.com.

info@bigyflyco.com

---

Fly Fishing the Tide Rips for Coho Salmon off the Northwest Tip of Washington State

Tide rips are one of the most common areas to... Read More

A New World Record Bass

Many people go to Florida to fish for that trophy... Read More

The Old Heddon Meadow Mouse

Have you ever fished with a Heddon Meadow Mouse? How... Read More

Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finder

Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a reviewThe... Read More

Find and Catch More Fish, Quickly and Easily, with the FISHIN BUDDY 2255

"Wherever you like to fish-lakes, reservoirs, rivers or streams, you'll... Read More

Why Do You Need a Tacklebox?

A tacklebox or a tackle bag is... Read More

Trout Species ? Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout: Few freshwater fish can match the fighting spirit... Read More

Online Fishing Forums Change the Way Anglers Fish For Information and Photos

As the landscape of the World Wide Web changes at... Read More

Bluefin Tuna Fishing

Bluefin tuna are one of the greatest challenges to anglers... Read More

Do Fish See in Color

Fish do indeed perceive color. Every fly fisher knows that... Read More

North to Alaska

For many fishermen Alaska is the ultimate "mecca" of fishing.... Read More

Colorado Fly Fishing ? Bait Huckin vs. Fly Fishin

It was one of those fishing trips. You know, everyone... Read More

Local Bass Fishing

If you are like me, you love to fish at... Read More

Take a Kid Fishing

Take a kid fishing and they will learn to be... Read More

Choosing Steelhead Gear

Steelhead GearLike many things in fly fishing you can ask... Read More

The Secret About Night Fishing Line

The Best Type Of Line For Night FishingHere is a... Read More

Its Raining... Time to Go Fishing!

Ah, fishing in the rain. You may not like the... Read More

Fort Lauderdale Sport Fishing Charters - The Perfect Way To Get Away

Whether it's the peaceful and serene beauty of being on... Read More

Rock Fishing Techniques

Many shore anglers avoid fishing rock marks because they are... Read More

Information on the Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a fresh water fish. They are aggressive... Read More

Do You Make Your Kids Fishing Experience Enjoyable?

If you take your children fishing with you, they can... Read More

Communications Equipment in the Wilderness

For Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating or cycling in all kinds... Read More

Fish Cooking Basics - How to Transform Those Fish You Just Caught into a Wonderful Seafood Dinner

Fish Cooking Basics I must admit that I... Read More

A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques Part III

Method 2The second method that works really well for me... Read More

The Only Fishing Experts You Should Listen Too

Everyone's an Expert, So Who Has The Right Answers?Have you... Read More

What You Need To Know About Spinner Fishing

Many people know just what type of lure they want... Read More

Social Robotic Fish in Fish Farms

We have a problem in our fish farms, especially Salmon.... Read More

Stream Trout Fishing

Many people enjoy a nice, long fishing trip. Others enjoy... Read More

Anglers Who Want Quality Equipment at a Reasonable Price Need the Garmin 160 Fish Finder

The Garmin 160 Fish Finder has some big advantages over... Read More

Planning Your Fly Fishing Trip

When planning for your fly fishing trip in Wyoming, there... Read More

Trout Species ? Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout

Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high... Read More

Fishing the Points

Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming.... Read More

Hawaii Sport Fishing

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you have... Read More