Fly Tying the Toodle Bug (Ray Bergman Classic Wet Fly Pattern)

Likely created in the mid-1800s, the Toodle Bug was a favorite pattern of Joshua Gross Rich, one of the pioneers of fly fishing in the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine. Featured in Ray Bergman’s 1938 “Trout” as well as David Klausmeyer’s “Favorite Flies” published in 2021.

Hook: #6-14 wet
Thread: Black
Tag: Gold Mylar tinsel
Tail: Gray mallard flank
Body: Blue floss rear, yellow wool front
Hackle: Brown
Wing: Mottled turkey tail feathers

Check out Fred Klein’s beautiful version of this fly at:

Savage Flies interview on The Articulate Fly Podcast:
www.thearticulatefly.com/podcast/taf449
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