The often forgotten option for Woolly Buggers is the maroon bodied leech pattern. Quite popular in B.C. lakes, it is less used to the South. I always tie and carry these flies, but not that many (maybe a couple dozen). When I look at this fly, in the selection process, I usually pass by it and pick something else. This week I heard that this fly was hugely popular with all available species of fish on a certain Central Oregon lake. So, now my curiosity is now peaked and I will have to give this pattern more attention. Actually, I will start with this as a point fly this coming weekend….followed by a Callibaetis nymph let’s say.    

 June 23, 2008 Update: I did start with the above Bugger and had zero hits. I tried it two times later and had no hits. I tried it alone (how I prefer to fish Bugger’s) and as the lead fly, ahead of nymphs. Still no hits…so the verdict is out on this fly for me. BUT, I do know flyfishers that swear by this pattern, especially a little smaller than my size 8’s above. They tie and fish size 10’s and 12’s in a mini-bugger style. I have not tried this, with this color. You might give it a try.