Fly Tying Inventory
Suspender Buzzer
A floating midge pupa pattern that hangs vertically in the surface film, imitating an emerging chironomid stuck in the meniscus. The closed-cell foam suspender keeps the fly at the surface while the weighted body hangs below. Devastatingly effective during midge hatches when trout are sipping just under the surface.
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Materials
Fine wire curved grub or scud hook, sizes 14-18
Black, olive, or brown 8/0 or 70 denier
Small piece of closed-cell foam (white or hi-vis color), tied at the eye
Fine wire or tinsel (silver, gold, or copper)
Tying thread or fine dubbing, slim taper
Peacock herl or black/olive dubbing
White Antron yarn, poly yarn, or CDC puff (optional)
UV resin or varnish for shine (optional)
How to Tie the Suspender Buzzer
- 1
Step 1
Start thread behind the hook eye and lay a smooth thread base down to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Attach a small strip of closed-cell foam at the eye, securing it tightly on top with figure-eight wraps. This acts as your suspender.
Trim foam to about 2-3mm beyond the hook eye for optimal buoyancy.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in fine wire rib at the bend.
- 4
Step 4
Build a slim, tapered body with thread wraps or fine dubbing from bend to thorax.
- 5
Step 5
Spiral-wrap the wire rib forward to create segmentation. Tie off and trim excess.
- 6
Step 6
Dub a slightly bulkier thorax with peacock herl or dubbing.
- 7
Step 7
Optionally tie in a small bunch of white Antron or poly yarn behind the foam for gills/breathers.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish and trim the foam to final shape.
- 9
Step 9
Apply a thin coat of UV resin or varnish over the body for durability and natural sheen.
Fish in the surface film during midge hatches – let it sit motionless for best results.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkQS8q28iy0
Credit: UK Stillwater Tradition / Global FlyFisher