StreamersWoolly Bugger

The Beadhead Woolly Bugger is a classic and versatile streamer pattern that is known for its effectiveness in attracting a wide range of fish species. Its wiggly motion and beadhead gives it an irresistible allure to fish.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout, Bass
Woolly Bugger - Image source: FlyFishFood
Image source: FlyFishFood

Overview

The Woolly Bugger is a staple streamer pattern tied with a marabou tail, chenille body, and palmered hackle for maximum movement and versatility. It can be weighted with lead wire or fished unweighted depending on the water depth. This pattern imitates everything from baitfish to leeches and is effective in nearly any freshwater fishing scenario.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout, Bass
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Imitates: Baitfish

Materials

Hook: TMC 5263 #4-10
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread - 6/0 - Black
Tail: Strung Blood Quill Marabou - Black
Chenille: Chenille - Medium - Black
Hackle: Hebert Miner Pro Grade Cape - Black

Fishing Tips

Season

This fly works all year round but is particularly effective during Spring and Fall when fish are actively feeding.

Presentation

Cast upstream and let it drift down, imitating a swimming baitfish.

When to Use

This fly is a go-to pattern when fish are not rising to the surface.

Water Type

It's effective in both stillwater and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a sink-tip line to get the fly deeper if needed.

Visibility & Floatation

The beadhead makes this fly sink and the marabou tail gives it a lifelike motion underwater.