The Woolly Bugger might be the most-tied fly on the planet — for many of us, it was the first fly we ever tied.
There’s a reason for that, of course. It’s among the easiest patterns to master, and, no matter how many times some creative vise-wizard comes up with the next great streamer pattern, the ‘Bugger is still going to work to catch fish.
Above, Tim Flagler ties his version of the Woolly Bugger, complete with weighted wire, tinsel and the usual accoutrements. It’s certainly not the only way to tie a ‘Bugger, but this method creates a handsome fly that’s also durable and fishable.
If it’s been a while since you revisited the ‘Bugger at the vise, the method used above might be a good place to start.