Dry FliesOl' Mr Wiggly
Ol' Mr Wiggly is a subtle, low-floating topwater pattern designed for pressured smallmouth bass in low, clear water conditions. Created by Charlie Piette, this simple foam construction features beetle green Loco Foam over an Ice Dub underbody, multiple sets of extra-long Sili Legs for maximum movement, and a yellow foam hot spot. Unlike loud chugging poppers that can spook educated bass, this stealthy pattern sits low in the film and triggers confident strikes.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Bass, Trout
Overview
This Charlie Piette pattern tied by Charlie Craven from Charlie's Fly Box represents a paradigm shift in smallmouth bass topwater fishing. Developed at Tight Lines Fly Shop in Wisconsin, the pattern emerged from experimentation with Florida largemouth techniques adapted for Midwest smallmouth waters. Guide Jack Allen's use of oversized sponge panfish spiders for Florida fish inspired Piette to combine these ideas with Western patterns like the Chernobyl Ant and Fat Albert. The resulting fly quickly became a staple pattern across Michigan and Wisconsin, earning enthusiastic endorsement from Fly Fisherman editor Ross Purnell who fished it more than any other smallmouth pattern for an entire season. The extra-long, dangly Sili Legs give the fly its distinctive wiggly action and its name.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Gamakatsu B10s, #4
Thread: UNI 6/0, black
Glue: Zap A Gap
Body: Loco Foam (Chocklett's), beetle green
Underbody: Ice Dub, black peacock
Rear Legs: Sili Legs, black blue flake
Front Legs: Sili Legs, metallic silver or smoke grey
Hot Spot: Thin Fly Foam, yellow
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from spring through fall when bass are actively feeding on the surface. Particularly productive during warm summer months when topwater action peaks.
Presentation
Fish like a hopper from a drifting boat with downstream casts angled toward the bank. Use a long, essentially dead drift in most cases. Occasional light tugs or upstream mends can draw strikes by imparting subtle movement.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing pressured smallmouth waters where conventional loud poppers spook fish. The low-floating, stealthy design excels in low, clear water conditions where bass have become wary of traditional topwater presentations.
Water Type
Designed for moving water smallmouth rivers, particularly sections with moderate current and clear water. Works along structure, bank edges, and anywhere bass might be looking up.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 10-12 lb fluorocarbon. The simple foam construction floats well without additional treatment. Can be fished on both floating lines and sink-tip setups depending on conditions.
Visibility & Floatation
The beetle green foam body provides natural coloration while the yellow hot spot aids angler visibility. The low-floating design sits in the surface film rather than riding high, giving bass confidence to commit to the take.
