flylab

One of my go to flies last year was a copper bugger. It's easy to tie, and highly effective.

Hook: 2x Streamer Hook
Tail: Marabou, Black
Tail: A few pieces of copper flashabou
Body: Copper Chenille
Hackle: Black Saddle

Start this fly by tying on your thread and then catching on a pinch of black marabou to the tail. Try to keep the feathers even, with the tail sticking back about a hook gap from the back. Tie in your copper flashabou, one or two strands on each side. I like to keep it pretty subtle.

Once your tail is on, tie in your hackle, ensuring the fibres are about the lenth of your hook gap. Next tie in your chenille and wrap chenille body about 1/3 from the eye. Palmer your hackle over the body – about five wraps – adding two-three wraps to form a collar at the front of the fly. Tie off your hackle and form a nice tapered black head. Finish with Hard Head for a nice sheen.

I like to fish this fly on an intermediate sinking line. In my float tube I'll wait for the fly to get down to depth and then I'll make three kicks with my flippers and then pause. Three kicks and then pause. Often the trout will nail the fly on the pause. The take is often hard and fast.

Tight lines,

Mike Klein