An Evaluation of a versatile fly that will work just about anywhere in the country!
If you check any fly fisherman’s fly box, you will probably find dozens of flies. Most fly fishermen will carry at least a dozen patterns in several different sizes. The general philosophy is to have a fly to cover any given situation, and to challenge even the most finicky trout in the stream. But, what if you are not able to carry so many flies? What if you are limited to only one “perfect pattern”? Believe it or not, you can whittle down that fly box!
If you are going to limit yourself to a “perfect fly,” it has to have the ability to mimic several different aquatic creatures. Flies are usually designed to mimic one particular insect or terrestrial in one particular stage of its life. There are some, however, that are attractor patterns. Attractor patterns do not specifically mimic anything, but are designed to mimic many things. This type of fly is your best bet if you are going to limit your box.
One of the best patterns available is the Woolly Bugger. By fishing the fly on a dead drift, it can appear to be a leech, or a worm depending on the color used. Trout will strike the fly if it is presented this way when drifted into pocket water or through riffles. The fly can also be stripped through pools, where it will appear as a sculpin, or minnow. Cast the fly across current and then strip it back across a pool with short quick jerks. Change up the pace of your retrieve, and trout will strike while the fly drops. Finally, you can also grease the fly with fly floatant and float it on top of the water. This can make the fly look like a terrestrial such as a cricket or grasshopper. It can be floated through ripples or into pocket water. Try to keep it from being drowned for the best results. The Woolly Bugger can also be stripped across more calm pools in an erratic manner. This is the most realistic presentation if you are trying to mimic a grasshopper.
There are many different types of flies available, but you cannot go wrong with a Woolly Bugger. This fly has probably caught more fish than any other, and it is effective in just about any body of water. By carrying different sizes of the Woolly Bugger in different colors, you can mimic any number of insects on the trout stream. Tie one on and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
