Fly Tying- Polar Bugger

Polar Bugger

This pattern came about as the need for a quick ‘Bugger pattern that was durable and utilized different color spectrums than an old school Wooly Bugger.  Originally designed as a low water swinging or stripping Steehead fly, the Polar Bugger is very versatile.  Smallmouth Bass, Crappies, Rock Bass, and Largemouth have all been caught on this fly.  Adding this pattern to an Indicator/Float rig can also be very effective once the water temps drop in late fall and winter.  

White is my usual color of choice but swapping out the white for the same materials in olive, black, or purple have all put fish into the net.  Also, you can swap out the cone for a nickel, gold, or chartreuse.  Give this fly a shot when you are looking for something different than the typical boring ‘Bugger.

Ryan Ratliff- November 2018


Polar Bugger Recipe: 

Hook: Gamakatzu SL11-3H #6- Click Here
Cone: Hot Cone ¼” Orange- Click Here
Thread: UTC 140 White- Click Here
Tail: White Strung Marabou- Click Here
Flash: Opal Mirage Lateral Scale- Click Here
Body: Speckled Crystal Chenille White- Click Here
“Hackle”: UV Polar Chenille Gold- Click Here
Collar: Laser Dub White- Click Here

1. Force the cone over the hook barb.  Sometimes they just slide right on, but if you are having issues you can pinch the barb or force it over.  

2. Start your thread and wrap back to the tie in point.  Notice the tie-in-point on this hook is between the barb and point.  

3. Select a dense wispy marabou plum and tie it in at this point.

4. Wrap over the stem with your thread towards the cone and back.  This will lock your tail in and build up the under body.

5. Select a couple pieces of Lateral Scale.  Center tie in two strands on once side.  Next fold the other half over to the other side and back.  Give a couple wraps to lock it in.  

6. Trim the Lateral Scale flash about half an inch beyond the marabou tail. 

7. Tie in your Crystal Chenille and Polar Chenille both my the tip making sure they will not pull out.

8. Wrap you Crystal Chenille forward with tight side-by-side wraps.  

9. Tie off at the cone making sure the cut off end is tucked into the "opening" of the cone.  

10. Palmer your Polar Chenille forward with spacing or candy cane stripes.  Make sure you are not trapping any fibers under as you wrap forward.  Give a couple wraps tight together at the cone before you tie off.

11. Prep a clump of Lasor Dub and wrap the center of the clump slightly around the hook right at the cone.  Give a couple loose wraps to start then tighten down tucking the clump into the slot in the cone.

12. Fold the front half of the Laser Dub back over the body.

13. If your cone is a little loose simply dub a little of the same Laser Dub into the opening of the cone to lock it tight. 

14. Whip finish your thread and you are finished.  You can comb back all the fibers to blend them if needed.  

Thanks as always for watching/following. Stay tuned as we have alot of fly tying in store for you for the Winter 2018/2019 season!

Ryan Ratliff


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