BcUK fly of the month March 2024

[FerlasDave]

Welcome to the first monthly fly tying club for all members of BcUK.

The idea is that each month we will come up with a different fly pattern. Then, people can have a go at tying their own interpretations and post their results here. Hopefully this will spark some discussion and inspiration for everyone to have a go at tying (and using) more and different flys!

Without further ado we will start things off simple. Let’s all tie a…

WOOLY BUGGER!

You have until the 31st March to tie as many as you like however you feel and post results below. Have fun!

 

[Broch]

Ooh, you have surprised me; that's a controversial fly to start with
OK, out comes the black!

 

[FerlasDave]

I tried to think of something simple.. How come you think it’s controversial? I’m going to try and avoid the green for this one.

 

[Broch]

Well, you wouldn't be allowed on any posh chalk streams with a Woolly Bugger

 

[SoldierPalmer]

I think I only ever tied them in green and brown. Really good fly for larger brown trout

 

[C_Claycomb]

If someone says they caught on a Woolly Bugger, the image conjured is a marabou tail, palmered hackle and bulky-ish body of dubbing or chenille, but so much can be done upon that basic foundation!
I wanted to do something a little less basic for the basic shape, so used feathers in dubbing loops for the palmered hackles.

Golden olive brahma bugger: Size 12 longshank, chickabou tail, dubbed fur body blend with a little Hairline Ice Dub. The hackle is Brahma hen, too short to palmer, used 3 in the dubbing loop. Finished with a full hackle shoulder wrap.


Grey Partridge and purple bugger: Longshank 12, grey marabou tail, a little purple Mobile flash, grey partridge in a dubbing loop for the palmer, purple Hends UV Ice Dub. No idea if this will fish, but it looks a bit different and was an interesting tie.


Cree and Pheasant Brown Bugger: Longshank 6. Tail is pheasant fluffy feathers, shoulder collar is cock pheasant.


The addition of a dubbing loop spun fibre head (Semperfli Predator Fibre on this one) makes this more like an un-articulated mini Death Grip, but it is basically a Bugger with a wool head. Long, webby hackle palmered and blended with the wool collar and head.


These last are versions of what Fly Fish Food called a Humongous Blank Saver. Longer tail than typical Bugger. Loose dubbed Hairline Ice Dub body, grizzled olive palmered hackle with the whole lot scrubbed hard after tying off to pull out flash fibres. One has a tungsten bead, and one is a Booby version.



Chris

 

[FerlasDave]

a certain rap song came on the radio the other day and inspired me with the colours for this.

 

[FerlasDave]

One more week to get your March flies done folks!

 

[Broch]

Making good progress; got the kit out

 

[Broch]

OK, last minute as usual

That was more difficult than I was expecting:
1) when I actually opened my fly tying box most of the 'natural' materials had been destroyed! (it is many year since I last tied a fly)
2) There was no decent hackle remaining
3) The last time I did this my eyesight was a great deal better

Anyway - here's a rather untidy and unconventional wooly bugger:

 

[FerlasDave]

Just in the nick of time!

Thank you to all who took part in this thread, please don’t think this is finished though as discussion can carry on after the month is through. Any suggestions for future flies please feel free to make too!

 

[Robbi]

How about a Hawthorn, I love a good Hawthorn

 

[FerlasDave]

How about a Hawthorn, I love a good Hawthorn

Only if you join in this time ;-)

 

[Robbi]

I wouldn't know where to start I'm afraid otherwise I'd love to have a go.

 

[FerlasDave]

That’s part of the idea for this thread! I’m sure between us all we can get you going if it’s something you’d like to invest some time and a little money into.

 

[Broch]

Well, is that decided then?
Although Bibio's (Hawthorns) aren't flying yet (end of April?)!
How about a Grannom? They're a bit earlier

 

[FerlasDave]

Grannom is a great idea. Usually the first dry fly of the year for me, but I’ve never tied one.

Anyone have any objections??

 

[C_Claycomb]

None here.