How to Tie a Beadhead Wooly Bugger

The beadhead wooly bugger is a streamer pattern used for fly fishing. It is a classic fly pattern that is effective for a large variety of fish species. The fly is not designed to imitate a specific insect or baitfish, but it is effective as a sculpin, crayfish, stonefly and general baitfish. Although not difficult, tying the fly requires basic fly-tying skills. It uses basic materials, and you can change the colors according to your preference.

Things You'll Need

  • Streamer hook, 1XL to 3XL
  • Fly-tying vise
  • Bead
  • 6/0 thread
  • Marabou
  • Chenille, 1 foot
  • Saddle hackle
  • Whip finishing tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the bead on the hook with the smallest diameter end against the eye of the hook. Place the bend of the hook in the fly-tying vise. Start the thread at the one-half point and wrap it to the hook bend.

    • 2

      Cut a clump of marabou from a feather. Measure the marabou to two-thirds the length of the hook shank. Hold the measured section on the bend in the hook to create tail. Make six tight wraps of thread to secure the marabou to the top of the hook.

    • 3

      Cut a 1-foot length of chenille from a spool. Make five tight thread wraps to secure the end of the chenille to the bend in the hook.

    • 4

      Select a saddle hackle feather with wide, soft fibers. Stroke the tip of the feather against the fibers to expose the narrow tip. Hold the tip of the feather on the hook bend and make six tight thread wraps to secure it in place. Wrap the thread until it is against the bead.

    • 5

      Wrap the chenille down the hook shank and stop at the bead. Make subsequent wraps to cover the entire hook shank. Make six thread wraps over the chenille to secure it in place. Cut away the excess.

    • 6

      Hold the base of the hackle and wrap it down the hook shank in a diagonal pattern. Stroke the fibers as you go to prevent overlapping and trapping the fibers flush against the hook shank. Stop at the eye of the hook and make six tight thread wraps to secure the hackle in place. Cut away the excess.

    • 7

      Use a whip finishing tool to half-hitch the thread until it is flush with the opening on the bead. Cut away the thread.