Bodkin / Patterns

Classic Buzzer

Midge · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved buzzer/grub hook (Kamasan B100), 10-14
  • Thread Black 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Body Black goose biot or stripped thread (as needed)
  • Rib Red or silver wire/tinsel (1 length)
  • Thorax Peacock herl (2-3 strands)
  • Cheeks/breathers White or orange Antron or Glo-Brite floss (small tufts)
  • Coating UV resin or clear varnish (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread and lay a slim, smooth base right around the bend of the curved hook to get the classic buzzer profile.
  2. Tie in the wire rib at the rear, then form a slim tapered body of black goose biot or built-up thread up to the thorax.
  3. Counter-rib the wire forward in 5-6 evenly spaced open turns for segmentation, then tie off.
  4. Tie in short tufts of white or orange Antron at the head to suggest the breathing filaments (gills/cheeks) of the emerging pupa.
  5. Wrap 2-3 strands of peacock herl for a small thorax between and behind the cheeks.
  6. Whip finish a neat head, then coat the whole body (and optionally the whole fly) with a thin layer of UV resin or clear varnish for a wet, gassy sheen and durability.
  7. Keep everything slim; a fat buzzer looks unnatural.

Tying videos

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