Woolly Bugger - Black

Materials

How to Tie the Woolly Bugger - Black

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the hook in the vise and slide on the bead if using one. Start thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth thread base back to the bend of the hook.

2. 2

   Step 2

   If adding weight, wrap 15-20 turns of lead wire along the middle of the shank. Secure with thread wraps and build small thread ramps on either side for a smooth transition.

3. 3

   Step 3

   At the bend of the hook, tie in a marabou plume for the tail. The tail should be approximately one hook-shank length. Pinch and align the fibers before tying in.

   Strip the fluffy base fibers from the marabou before tying in for a cleaner tie-in point and better action in the water.

4. 4

   Step 4

   At the same tie-in point, tie in a piece of medium copper or gold wire for the rib. Let it hang to the rear.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Also at the tail tie-in point, tie in a piece of medium black chenille. Let it hang to the rear.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Select a black saddle hackle feather. Strip the fluffy base fibers and tie it in by the stem at the base of the tail, with the dull side facing you.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Wrap the chenille forward in touching turns to just behind the bead or eye. Tie off and trim the excess chenille.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Palmer the saddle hackle forward through the chenille body in evenly spaced spiral wraps (5-7 turns). Tie off behind the bead/eye and trim the excess.

   Stroke the hackle fibers rearward with each wrap to prevent trapping them under subsequent wraps.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Counter-wrap the wire rib forward through the hackle in the opposite direction to reinforce it. This also creates a nice segmented look. Tie off and helicopter the wire to break it.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Build a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply a drop of head cement or UV resin.