Video tutorial courtesy of our friends at InTheRiffle
The Bow River Bugger is a great western streamer pattern. It can be fished both on the dead drift and also stripped as a streamer. The Bow River Bugger is a small minnow and/or sculpin imitation. It is also a hybrid fly and blend between a Woolly Bugger and Muddler Minnow. The pulsing action is mainly taken from the Woolly Bugger, while the wide and water pushing profile is taken from the Muddler Minnow. This fly is a great pattern in the West and a particular favorite for guides on large rives in Montana!
Bow River Bugger Fly Tying Recipe:
Hook: #02-08 Tiemco 5263
Thread: Black UNI 6/0
Tail: Black Woolly Bugger Marabou
Flash: Electric Blue Flashabou
Rib: Copper Brassie Wire
Body: Dark Olive Medium Woolly Bugger Chenille
Hackle: Grizzly Whiting High and Dry Rooster Cape
Collar: Natural Deer Hair
Head: Bleached or White Deer Hair
All fly tying tools are available here! All Fly Tying Gear Has “Free shipping over $25” in the Lower 48 US
Here are some links to some other bugger flies we carry from Umpqua. Good if you don’t have time to tie them or just need some quick! Check them out here.
