Fly Fishing Panfish Patterns
Fly Fishing Panfish Patterns
The Woolly Bugger Fly in Missouri Ozarks Streams by Paul Marsh
The woolly bugger is actually a relative newcomer to the flyfishing scene. Developed around 1967 by Russell Blessing, it was supposed to imitate a hellgrammite. However, it is certainly a variant of the “woolly worm” which goes back much further. Such as it is, the woolly bugger is probably the one fly, if you could choose but one, that you should bring along. This is most certainly true of the Ozark streams of Missouri.
The woolly bugger does come in a variety of forms. There is everything from the simple black woolly bugger, bead head or not, to the flashy crystal nymph. So stating that the woolly bugger is the “go-to” fly for the Ozarks is a bit of a cop out. So let’s be more specific.
I will not take it down to a single one, but how about two? The two versions of the woolly bugger you can just about always catch fish on in the Ozarks are the olive beaded woolly bugger (size #8 or #10) and the black beaded woolly bugger (same sizes). That’s it.
In all but the tiniest of streams like Little Piney and Mill Creeks, these flies will serve you well. They work well from the Meramec River in the area around Maramec Springs (and likely downstream from there as well for smallies) to the North Fork of the White River down in southern Missouri.
They will catch rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as largemouth and smallmouth bass. You will even hook up on occasion with catfish and various forms of panfish (like bluegill, crappie, etc.). There is no one single right way to fish them.
Depending on the situation, you might cast slightly upstream and let the fly settle to the bottom and bounce downstream. Try to split the difference between having too much slack and creating drag in your line. Of course this only works in streams with a certain amount of flow.
For slower streams and even ponds and lakes, let the fly settle while remaining vigilant for a take on the fly’s descent. Once it does reach bottom, slowly retrieve. Give it some drops along the way as this is often where a take will occur. Fish it all the way to the boat or shore. I say this because often, a fish will watch it pass a couple of times before taking. If you quit early and strip it in too quickly, the fish will spook and be gone.
Obviously, there are other flies that you will want and even need. Egg Patterns (glow-bugs), Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Copper Johns, Hares Ear Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph, are just a few additional flies I always bring. It just seems like that somewhere along the line the old black woolly comes out and does it’s magic.
About the Author
Paul Marsh is an outdoor writer and educator. Through his website, Family-Outdoors, he seeks to assist individuals and families in getting the information and skills they need to enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping. More information on this subject can be found at Ozark Fly Fishing.
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