StreamersSquirrel and Herl Bugger
The Squirrel and Herl Bugger is a variant of the classic Woolly Bugger. The squirrel tail and peacock herl body give it a unique, appealing look and action in the water.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout, Bass
Overview
A variation of the classic Woolly Bugger, this version replaces chenille with peacock herl and uses squirrel tail or dubbing for added spikiness and flash. The result is a buggy, pulsating fly great for imitating baitfish, leeches, or large nymphs.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: 3X-long nymph hook (here, a Dai-Riki 710), size 8
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denier, black
Body: Peacock herl, 3 or 4 strands
Tail: Pine-squirrel zonker strip, olive
Hackle: Dyed-olive grizzly
Fishing Tips
Season
Year Round
Presentation
Strip it in with a slow, steady retrieve.
When to Use
When fish are feeding on small baitfish, leeches, or other aquatic lifeforms.
Water Type
Effective in stillwater and moving water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish it on a sinking or sink-tip line to get it down to the fish.
Visibility & Floatation
The grizzly hackle and squirrel tail make it highly visible, and it sinks slowly to imitate various aquatic lifeforms.
