How to tie a Steelhead Bugger from Silverside Outfitters and Guide Service - Northwest Michigan's Finest Flyfishing

STEELHEAD BUGGER

Hook: Daiichi 1530 #4

Thread: Black

Tail: black woolly bugger marabou

Rib: copper wire

Body: peacock herl

Hackle: brown or ginger saddle

Step 1: Wrap thread back to bend of hook, then back to hook eye.

Step 2: Tie in marabou for tail. Start just behind eye and make a level underbody. Tail should be a little longer than the hook shank.

Step 3: Tie in copper wire and 4 strands of peacock herl. Wrap peacock herl forward and tie off. Note: If herl is not long enough, wrap forward as far as possible and tie off. Tie in 4 more strands of herl and continue wrapping forward to eye. The more strands of peacock herl used for the body, the thicker the fly will be.

Step 4: Tie in one saddle hackle by base, at hook eye.

Step 5: Wrap hackle back towards hook bend, making a couple of extra wraps just behind hook eye to start. While holding hackle, wrap copper wire forward to hook eye and tie off. Trim wire and hackle. The copper wire will help make a more durable fly.

Step 6: Whip finish and cement. Finished Steelhead Bugger.

Note: You may add Krystal flash to tail and use different colors of peacock herl and wire for something different with a little sparkle.