How to Tie the Killer Bug Fly

Frank Sawyer's Killer Bug Fly is a classic as far as fly styles go -- it originated in a fly fishing book published in 1958. Part of the fly's popularity can be attributed to its weight, which causes it to sink easily, and the fact that it requires relatively few materials to tie. A nymph-style fly, it is usually used to catch trout in freshwater streams, rivers and lakes.

Things You'll Need

  • Extra-large nymph hook, size 10-18
  • 1 yard copper speaker wire
  • 6 inches gray wool yarn
  • Super-strength glue
  • Piece of fabric fastener
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate the wool into its individual strands.

    • 2

      Wrap the copper wire tightly around the hook, beginning at the eye. Place a drop of super-strength glue on the wire once you have it wrapped a few times to keep it in place as you continue down the hook. Continue wrapping the wire until it is about 1/3 of the way down the shank of the hook. The shank is the portion of the hook between the eye and the barb.

    • 3

      Tie one strand of yarn to the hook at the 1/3 point where the wire stops. Continue wrapping the copper wire down the shank, stopping just above the barb.

    • 4

      Wrap the yarn around the copper down to the barb.

    • 5

      Hold the yarn in place and wrap the copper back around the yarn all the way back to the eye.

    • 6

      Wrap the yarn back up to the eye, then back down to the barb again.

    • 7

      Loosely spiral the copper back down to the barb. It should take only two or three turns.

    • 8

      Tightly wrap the copper at the barb several times to secure the wool. Place a drop of glue at the base.

    • 9

      Cut the remaining wool that sticks out past the barb. Comb the fly with a piece of fabric fastener to give it a frizzy look.