NymphPossie Bugger
The Possie Bugger is a versatile nymph pattern that can imitate a wide range of aquatic insects. It's weighted with a bead head and lead wire, allowing it to sink quickly into feeding lanes. Its flashy body and attractive tail make it irresistible to fish.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
A hybrid of a Woolly Bugger and Hare's Ear, it uses natural hare dubbing for a buggy body, soft hackle, and a marabou tail. Often weighted with a bead or lead wire, it's great as a searching pattern or larger nymph.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco TMC 5262 #10–#14
Thread: UNI 6/0 Black
Weight: Lead wire, sized to hook
Bead: Gold brass bead (#10 = 3.8mm, #12 = 3.3mm, #14 = 2.8mm)
Tail 1: Australian possum or rabbit fur, natural
Tail 2: Pearl Flashabou
Rib 1: Pearl Flashabou
Rib 2 (optional): UTC Ultra Wire, Brassie, Copper
Body/Abdomen: Australian possum fur (natural) or Hareline Dubbin (Hare's Ear)
Collar Soft Hackle: Brahma hen (mottled gray) or partridge (natural)
Collar Dubbing: Hareline Dubbin, black
Fishing Tips
Season
This fly can be used year-round, but it's particularly effective in the spring and fall when mayflies and stoneflies are most active.
Presentation
The Possie Bugger works best when fished deep, either under an indicator or by using a tight line nymphing technique.
When to Use
Use this fly when you need to get down deep quickly, especially in faster currents or deeper pools. It also works well in off-colored water due to its size and flash.
Water Type
This is a versatile nymph that can be used in both stillwater and moving water.
Rigging Suggestions
Use a heavy leader and tippet to help get this fly down quickly. It can be fished as a single nymph or as part of a multi-fly rig.
Visibility & Floatation
This fly sinks quickly due to its bead head and lead wire. The flash of the body and the movement of the hackle make it highly visible under water.
