In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Matt O’Neal with Savage Flies ties a terrestrial pattern that every trout angler should be tying up for the summer heat, the Chugger.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Thankfully we have migrated from spring to summer weather in most areas of the United States. The time to stock up on dries was a few months ago, but being late to the party is better than never arriving. For slow nights, tying a wide variety of caddis, mayfly, stonefly, and terrestrial patterns is a great way to prepare for long days on the water this summer. The Chugger is one terrestrial pattern that will produce in any body of water where grasshoppers live and won’t cause many problems on the vise.
Foam is a material that even novice tyers can master quickly. Make sure your proportions are accurate while cutting bodies, as this is what most trout will focus on while looking up. Variety is important with terrestrial and hopper patterns, especially on pressured waters where trout will see several patterns in a season and need something unique to commit. Tie the Chugger with ease and fish with confidence as the summer days become hotter and more consistent.
This pattern is a perfect dry in a dry dropper setup and a great way to have an entertaining day on the water. When you aren’t casting close to the riverbanks, you’ll be able to tie on a larger nymph as a dropper and cover different depths of the water column in one drift. As summer trudges along, look to this fly when trout are eagerly looking up for larger prey items. The Chugger will be your best friend during the next few months and should always go with you on both small and large stream adventures.
Ingredients:
- Hook: #8-12 Standard Length Dry Fly
- Thread: Tan
- Body: 2mm Foam – Tan
- Legs: Rubber legs
- Wing: Snowshoe Hare Fur – Natural & Black
Now you know how to tie the Chugger!
Video courtesy of Savage Flies.
