In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Tim Cammisa shows us a Woolly Bugger variation that every angler should know about, the CDC Micro Bugger.
Difficulty: Easy
The Woolly Bugger is a fly that should need no introduction. This was probably the first fly someone recommended you buy when you first started fly fishing, and for good reason. The CDC Micro Bugger is a variation on arguably the most productive pattern in the history of fly fishing. Swung, dead drifted, or stripped, this fly will simply produce fish just like its big brother.
Implementing a jig hook allows for the CDC Micro Bugger to ride hook point up, which helps if being used under an indictor as it reduces snags on the bottom. Taking an extremely simply tying approach consistent with the traditional Woolly Bugger allows for ample variation on this pattern. Colors can be changed to imitate leeches in your area or even larger aquatic insects. CDC brings a unique profile to the fly not typically adopted by streamers, but nonetheless is extremely fishy once in the water.
There are many different techniques on how the CDC Micro Bugger can be fished as mentioned earlier, and all of them should be used. There is not one specific technique that is better over another, but simply depends on what the fish want. Doing this will ensure you are changing your style on the water and will ultimately help you become a better angler in the process. Regardless of the time of year, the CDC Micro Bugger is a fly that should be in your fly box and often at the end of your line.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Hanak H 400 BL; #10
- Bead: Tungsten slotted 4.0mm; light pink
- Thread: Semperfli 12/0 waxed; shell pink
- Hackle: CDC; pink cahill
- Body: Ice Dub; fl. shell pink
Now you know how to tie the CDC Micro Bugger.
Video and ingredients courtesy of Tim Cammisa.
