How to Tie the Glitter Bug Fly Tying Instructions
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The Glitter Bug, also known as the Green Ass Bug, is a popular fly for both topwater and wet fly fishing, especially in Newfoundland. It’s a simple and effective pattern, often used for catching salmon. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to tie this classic fly.
Materials:
Size 8 Salmon hook (barbless)
Light gel spun thread (white for body, black for head)
Crystal Flash (pearl)
Calf Tail or Kip Tail (for the tail)
Micro Chenille (chartreuse or light green)
Deer belly hair (green)
Brown Hackle feather (size 12)
Head cement
Razor blade (for trimming)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare the Hook: Start by placing a size 8 barbless salmon hook in your tying vise. Flatten the barb using pliers.
Attach Thread: Begin by attaching light gel spun thread to the hook shank, securing it tightly.
Prepare the Tail: Strip the fuzz from the bottom of a calf tail and stack the tips to align them. Trim the tail to about the length of one hook gap. Tie the calf tail onto the hook with a few tight wraps of thread.
Tie in Crystal Flash: Next, tie in 4 strands of pearl Crystal Flash on top of the calf tail. Pull the flash up toward you to ensure it sits evenly on the hook. Trim the flash to the desired length.
Add Chenille: Secure a length of chartreuse or light green micro chenille on top of the hook shank. Ensure it’s tightly wound, but not too long.
Spin Deer Hair: Take a clump of green deer belly hair (about the size of your thumb) and tie it in at the rear of the hook. Use tension to make the hair flare out and form a buoyant body. Repeat this step, adding 2-3 more clumps of deer hair toward the front, making sure each section is packed tightly and evenly distributed.
Trim the Body: Once the deer hair is securely tied, remove the fly from the vise and trim it into a tapered, rounded shape using large scissors. Be careful not to cut into the hook gap.
Tie in the Hackle: Switch to black thread and tie in a brown hackle feather, sized for a 12-hook. Make sure the hackle is secure and positioned close to the deer hair.
Wrap the Hackle: Wrap the hackle 2-3 times around the hook, ensuring it sits tightly and uniformly. Secure the stem with thread wraps and trim the excess.
Whip Finish: Perform a whip finish to lock in the thread. Apply a little head cement to the thread wraps for durability.
Final Touches: Inspect the fly for any loose ends or uneven areas. Once satisfied, your Glitter Bug is ready for fishing!
Tips:
Adjust the length of the tail and body to suit your fishing conditions.
When tying in the deer hair, don’t overcrowd the hook eye to allow for easy threading.
