Fly Tying Inventory
X-Bugger
The X-Bugger is a Woolly Bugger variation tied by Cheech as a smaller streamer for trout. Treat the color as a starting point and not a fixed formula, although this ginger-toned version works well wherever baitfish or sculpins are around. A slotted tungsten bead goes on a very sharp hook, marabou and rootbeer flash make the tail, and a feather from an inexpensive bugger patch adds plenty of movement over the tan chenille body. Tied here on a size 6 hook.
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Materials
Danville Flat Waxed Nylon Thread, 140 denier, brown
Brown · 140 denier
Whiting Bugger Hackle Patch, grizzly dyed golden olive
Grizzly dyed golden olive
How to Tie the X-Bugger
- 1
Step 1
Slide the copper slotted bead onto the hook, push it up to the eye and set the hook in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start the brown thread behind the bead and wrap a base back to the rear of the shank.
- 3
Step 3
Pull a clump of Sculpin Tan marabou and tie it in at the rear of the shank for the tail. Bind the butts along the shank and trim any excess.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in a small amount of rootbeer Krystal Flash at the base of the tail so it runs back through the marabou.
- 5
Step 5
Choose a grizzly dyed golden olive feather from the bugger patch and tie it in at the base of the tail.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in the tan Ice Dub Chenille at the same point, then bring the thread forward to the bead.
- 7
Step 7
Wrap the chenille forward to the bead to form the body. Tie it off and trim the excess.
- 8
Step 8
Palmer the feather forward over the body in open turns to the bead. Tie it off and trim the excess.
- 9
Step 9
Stroke the hackle fibers back and trim away any stray fibers behind the bead.
- 10
Step 10
Whip finish behind the bead and cut the thread.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPZllLueOEU
Credit: Cheech / Fly Fish Food