Olive Beadhead Soft Hackle Bugger

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This is a specific variation of the classic Woolly Bugger pattern. The olive color scheme is highly effective in imitating various nymphs and small baitfish, and the contrast of the new black wire rib adds a subtle, segmented profile that can trigger more strikes.

Hook

Standard streamer hook (e.g., Daiichi 2220), size 8

Bead

1/8" Cyclops Bead, Nickel (Silver)

Thread

Olive 6/0 or 140 Denier

Tail

Olive Marabou

Body

Olive Ice Dub or standard Olive Dubbing

Rib

Small Black Wire (replacing the original gold)

Hackle

Olive Saddle Hackle, palmered

Bead

Slide the silver bead onto the hook and start the thread.

Tail

Tie in a generous clump of olive marabou at the bend of the hook. It should be approximately the length of the hook shank.

Rib

Secure a piece of small black wire at the tail tie-in point.

Body

Dub a tapered olive body from the tail up to the bead.

Ribbing

Counter-wrap the black wire over the dubbing in even spirals (about 5-6 wraps) to the bead, and tie it off. This contrasts nicely with the olive body.

Hackle

Tie in an olive saddle hackle at the bead. Palmer (wrap) the hackle back over the body in the *opposite direction* of the wire rib to lock it in place. Secure and trim the excess.

Whip Finish

Create a small thread head behind the bead and whip finish.

Details

Imitates

Leech

Targets

Trout, Bass, Panfish

Hook size

8-12

Colors

Olive, Silver, Black