Soft Hackle Bugger Tying Guide

Fly Tying

Aug 25

This soft hackle bugger is a highly mobile streamer pattern designed to pulsate and swim realistically in the water with every twitch and strip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Secure the Hook & Start the Thread
Place a streamer hook in your vise. Start your thread a few hook eye lengths behind the eye and wrap back to the bend of the hook. Trim or break off the tag end of the thread.

Step 2: Prepare the Tail Feathers
Select two chickabou or mini marabou feathers. Strip the base fibers off each to expose the softer, webby portion. Align the tips and place the feathers back-to-back so the curves face outward.

Step 3: Tie in the Tail
Measure the feathers to about one hook shank in length. Tie them in so they split the hook shank, one on each side. Adjust if needed to prevent twisting. Clip the excess feather stems.

Step 4: Add Flash (Optional)
Tie in two strands of gold holographic Flashabou (or any flash) on each side of the tail, matching the length or slightly shorter.

Step 5: Select Soft Hackle Feathers
Choose 4 soft hackle feathers appropriate for your hook size (use larger feathers for bigger hooks). Strip the base fluff, leaving only the soft hackle portion.

Step 6: Tie in the First Feather
Use hackle pliers to control the feather. Prep the tip by pulling back all fibers except a small triangle for tying in. Tie in the feather by the tip where the tail ends and wrap your thread forward slightly.

Step 7: Wrap the Hackle
Wrap the feather forward in touching turns, sweeping fibers back with each wrap. Tie off the stem once you reach the end of the feather and trim the excess. Comb the fibers rearward.

Step 8: Repeat for Remaining Feathers
Continue tying in and wrapping the remaining hackle feathers progressively up the hook shank, ensuring each is palmered smoothly with fibers swept rearward.

Step 9: Finish the Front Feather
The final feather may need trimming to shorten it. Wrap carefully at the front to create a bulkier head that pushes water. Tie off just behind the hook eye without crowding it.

Step 10: Build the Head and Finish
Sweep all hackle fibers back and make a few thread wraps to clean up the head area. Whip finish securely.

Step 11: Add Resin or Cement
Apply UV resin or head cement to the thread wraps for durability. Cure with UV light for a glossy finish.

Step 12: Final Grooming
Comb the fly gently to align fibers and check movement. This soft hackle bugger is now ready to fish!