Catch More Fish with the Bubblegum Mouse – Fly Tying Tutorial

From: Fly Fish Food

Today we’re diving into a pattern that’s as fun as it is effective—the Bubblegum Mouse. This little guy is 100% synthetic, super easy to tie, and guaranteed to make fish lose their minds! With its wiggly tail, realistic legs, and a pop of bubblegum color, it’s perfect for rivers, lakes, or any waters where trout and bass are on the hunt. Let’s get you tied up with one of the most playful and productive mouse patterns around!

Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

1. Prepare the Tail:

   • Apply liquid fusion glue about ⅔ up a strip of leech leather.

   • Place a piece of 40 lb monofilament over the glue to give tail rigidity.

   • Pinch and hold the leather around the monofilament until secure.

   • Trim and shape the tail into a point to allow maximum movement.

   • Let it dry completely before tying into the hook.

2. Add Keel Weight:

   • Wrap 0.1 wire around the hook shank near the bend (10–11 wraps).

   • Secure with super glue and coat lightly with resin for a smooth finish.

3. Base Thread:

   • Attach your tying thread (e.g., 140 denier) and create a strong base for the foam and tail.

4. Tie in the Tail:

   • Attach the prepared mouse tail about one-third back from the hook eye.

   • Secure the monofilament so the tail sits properly on top of the hook shank.

5. Tie in Chenille Body:

   • Use gray super satin chenille (20 mm).

   • Tie in a clump behind the tail and wrap 3–4 turns forward to form the body.

6. Add Back Legs:

   • Cut small angled pieces of leech leather for hind legs.

   • Tie in on either side of the body, wrapping slightly forward to secure.

7. Tie in Foam Top:

   • Use 3 mm high-rise foam, cut to hook gap width.

   • Cut a wedge on the tail end for easier tie-in.

   • Tie in over body and legs without pulling too tight to allow movement.

8. Tie in Front Legs:

   • Pre-made small leech leather front legs.

   • Tie in slightly shorter than back legs.

9. Optional Dubbing for Head:

   • Create a dubbing noodle and loop it into the front of the fly.

   • Wrap forward to build a clean, raised head.

10. Finish the Fly:

    • Whip finish at the head.

    • Apply super glue or resin to secure head and maintain shape.

    • Trim foam and leather as needed for final shaping.

11. Final Inspection:

    • Check movement in tail, legs, and body.

    • Ensure fly floats properly and materials aren’t too tight.

Materials List

Hooks:

• B10s streamer hook (or similar)

Thread:

• 140 denier tying thread (strong enough to compress foam and secure materials)

Tail & Legs:

• Leech leather, cut into strips for tail and angled pieces for front and back legs

Tail Reinforcement:

• 40 lb monofilament

Body:

• Gray super satin chenille, 20 mm width

Foam Top:

• 3 mm high-rise foam, cut to hook gap width

• Additional thinner foam (optional) for gurgler-style front section

Keel Weight:

• 0.1 wire, 10–11 wraps

• Super glue or resin to secure wire

Adhesives:

• Liquid fusion glue (for tail)

• Super glue (for foam, head, and keel weight)

• Optional resin for smooth finish

Head / Dubbing (optional):

• Noodle of dubbing (color of choice)

Tools:

• Sharp scissors

• Clamp or small pliers

• Whip finisher