Ugly Purple Bugger Other Freshwater Hook : Long shank sizes 10 - 6. Thread : Black 6/0. Weight : Lead wire wrapped over front 1/3 of shank. Eyes : None used in this fly but bead chain, or lead eyes work. Tail : Purple marabou. Body : Purple wool. Hackle : Grizzly.
Tying Instructions 1) Wrap shank in thread add eyes if you wish at this point. 2) Wrap lead on shank from hook eye about 1/3 the way down the shank. 3) Tie in a bunch of marabou for the tail, try to keep it on top of the shank and secure right up just before the start of the hook bend to reduce fouling. 4) Tie in hackle at hook bend near tail, then tie in wool and wrap shank up to hook eye and tie off. 5) Following the grooves left by the wool wrap hackle forward to hook eye tie off and whip finish.
Fly Notes I use lead near the head to give the fly a jigging effect when stripped, it also allows the fly to sink head first which to me seems more natural.
Fishing Notes Leaders are just standard 9 foot tapered leaders, you may need big butted varieties for larger U/P/Buggers. With bigger sizes you need to consciously wait for the back cast to completely unroll l to ensure a good delivery. The addition of a cone or bead head can add a great undulating motion to the fly on a stop start retrieve. When fishing still water I mix up the retrieve till I find out what the fish want.. often deadly slow works best. Make sure you let the fly settle a while when it hits the water but be sure to give the line a quick tug to ensure you feel the fly as it is often taken before the retrieve starts. I think most fish would eat this fly at the right time but I use it for trout and bass in NSW.
Location Notes Used as a searching fly in lakes or rivers for bass and trout. Cast it to weed banks over drop offs to snags etc. can be fished dead drift in rivers but I find the occasional twitch helpful in getting aggressive strikes.
Prey Notes Generalist, attractor, can cross over many prey types including yabbies, baitfish, and leaches.
Tier Grant Marshall

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