What’s New in Streamer Bugger Patterns?

A well-stocked fly box for the fall should include an assortment of bugger patterns. Bugger patterns are a mainstay of anglers especially in the late fall and early spring when aquatic insects are no longer hatching due to cool water conditions.

Bugger patterns are important as they are suggestive of many food sources including small bait fish, leeches, and minnows. However, in my experience, not all bugger patterns are created equal. After years of testing and recording my results, I have found three qualities to look for in selecting your pattern. I added these features to my Predator Bugger pattern. I find bugger patterns which include the following features outfish those that don’t.

1. Include UV materials
Flies containing UV materials consistently outfish the same flies without UV. By integrating UV materials in my Predator Bugger pattern, I have increased the fly’s visibility, an important factor in attracting the attention of predatory trout who are visual hunters. Check out the visual impact of UV materials revealed under UV light in my olive Predator Bugger:

UV Materials:

Tail Flash – Senyo’s UV Predator Wrap

Dubbing – UV and Euro Seal

“The Olive Predator Bugger was on fire! It was a feeding frenzy. As soon as it hit the water the fish were on it. Lost count after landing 40 trout. Thanks, Vickie, for making it a day I will always remember!”                                                                    
– Bill M. of Casper, Wyoming

Vickie’s Olive Predator Bugger

2. Add a trigger point
The second feature that increases productivity is incorporating a visual trigger point. I further increased visibility by adding gold flash at the hook’s eye as the trigger point. This signature flash strip has proven to catch the attention of hungry trout and I incorporate it into both my Predator Bugger and Predator Leech patterns.

Flash Trigger point at hook’s eye

3. Tail and Body Designed to Maximize Movement
The tail should be sparse to maximize movement. To generate additional motion, I add an oversized soft grizzly head hackle which makes the fly pulsate as it is retrieved. Movement is an important trigger as it lures opportunistic trout to attack.

Vickie’s Burnt Orange Predator Bugger

Fishing Vickie’s Predator Bugger

Use my Predator Bugger in the morning and at sunset when large trout are cruising along shoreline areas looking for big, juicy meals. Be sure your fly box includes this pattern in a smaller size #10 for the fall and winter months.

My Predator Bugger is available with #8 and #10 size hooks and in the following colors: White, Black, Burgundy, Dark Olive, Yellow, Burnt Orange.

If you want to purchase the same UV materials I use, click here. 

To purchase my flies, fly tying material, and more, visit my store by clicking here.