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

---

The Ubiquitous Woolly Bugger

The ubiquitous Woolly Bugger, never quite spelled correctly to my... Read More

The Wet Fly Swing

The wet fly swing sounds like something one does at... Read More

Surf Fishing The Outer Banks of North Carolina

My first experience surf fishing was with my father on... Read More

Four Fly Fishing Tips

Good Fly PresentationObviously, the goal when casting a fly is... Read More

The Major Benefit Of Night Fishing

Number One Benefit to Night FishingI think the best thing... Read More

Trout Fishing Techniques

One of the most popular trout fishing techniques is called... Read More

Monster Hunt: Ledge Lunker Blues Part I

Originally published in Procats Online MagazineSummertime angling for trophy-sized blue... Read More

Fishing Equipment Tips

Cheap SinkersSpark plugs make excellent disposable sinkers. Need some cheap... Read More

Concentrate on Your Bass Fishing

I was watching a TV Show with Bill Dance and... Read More

Finding Trophy Bass

Have you ever noticed some people have all the luck... Read More

Get Ready For Bed....Bedding Bass That Is!

It's getting near the time bass will be on their... Read More

Butterfly Jigs Create Buzz with American Fishermen

A big buzz within the fishing community that is spreading... Read More

Steroids Running Rampant In Fishing World

You knew it would come to this sooner or later....I... Read More

Tarpon Fishing and Catching The Elusive Silver King - Megalops Atlanticus

If you have ever had the priviledge of hooking up... Read More

Successful Fishing: The Mysterious e Factor.....

Successful Fishing: The mysterious "e" Factor.There has always been a... Read More

Saltwater Fly Fishing in Washington State

When most people think of saltwater fly fishing their minds... Read More

How To Find Fish

PondsAnywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden... Read More

Back To Fish School....Baitfish 101

Class Is In Session.... Baitfish 101Okay.So you would think that... Read More

Catch Your Limit With These Fishing Supplies

Great fishing supplies are an essential when it comes to... Read More

Fishing on Your Pontoon Boat

Fishing on your pontoon boat can be both a relaxing... Read More

Brook Trout, One of Canadas Most Loved Trout

Brook trout are one of the most popular game fish... Read More

Make Small Fortune In The Fishing Industry

Make Small Fortune In Fishing Industry.......now there is a headline... Read More

Fishing Alaska: The Alaskan Sampler Plate...Part I

I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to... Read More

Do You Make Your Kids Fishing Experience Enjoyable?

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

The Yellowfins from HELL!

Hi Lee Palm/Red Rooster crew(San Diego - California).. Keep my... Read More

Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast

The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn... Read More

Grandpas Pond

We can learn alot from kids.Last Friday, which incidently was... Read More

From Personal Belly Boats to High Performance Racers - An Overview of Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats, also called rubber boats or dinghies, have been... Read More

Stories From the Heartland (Pt.1)

Every River Tells a StoryThe next time you begin a... Read More

The Advantages of Underwater Fishing Cameras

Want to see what's really going on under the water... Read More

Do You Know How to Fillet a Fish?

Finally you've caught the perfect fish. Now, do you know... Read More

North to Alaska

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

Something Is Buzzing And Its Not Bees

We all have used buzz baits and we know why... Read More