FLY GALLERY

This odd floating version of the classic Wooly Bugger is an excellent attractor in the presence of stoneflies which are often prolific early in the month. A low riding fly, it imitates the natural insect perfectly and the added action given by the marabou tail and hackle seems to get attention from fish that will often pass up standard patterns. Can be fished much like any other standard fly or, if hackled heavily enough, can be skated which can at times produce explosive strikes.
Tying this strange concoction isn’t to difficult particularly since perfection is not the name of the game. Start with the tail and be sure to keep it sparse in order to keep the fly light. Next tie in 2 grizzly hackles - the stiffer the better for skating.

Follow the hackle by adding a thin strip of foam which is tied in behind the eye of the hook, then wrapped back over tightly to the tail. Having done this, bring the foam strip back towards the eye and segment the foam body as you move the thread forward. Create a bullet head at the front of the hook. Wrap hackles and tie off. Add orange foam as an indicator if necessary or put in rubberlegs "Madam X" style behind the head. This is a great pattern to experiment with.

Floating Bugger
Hook: Tiemco #5263 size 6-10
Thread: Tan 6/0
Tail: Brown Marabou w/ 2 strands of Pearl Krystal Flash
Hackle: Grizzly
Body: Tan, Olive or Orange Foam