Fly Tying Guide for the Little Chum Bug
If you’re looking to create an effective fly for targeting salmon or steelhead, the Little Chum Bug Fly is a must-have in your fly box. This pattern is simple yet incredibly effective, and can be customized based on water conditions and fish behavior. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the materials you’ll need, along with some tips on how to tie the fly efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tier or just starting out, this guide will help you craft a productive Little Chum Bug Fly that fish won’t resist.
Materials
When targeting salmon and steelhead, selecting the right hook is crucial. The Mustad 37132 in sizes 10, 8, or 6 is a reliable choice, though any strong hook designed for salmonid species will work. Size 10 is ideal for low-water conditions, while size 6 suits larger rivers or more aggressive fish.
To secure your materials, use 3/0 Uni Thread, ensuring it matches or complements the yarn for a seamless look. White, orange, or chartreuse are common choices that enhance the fly’s overall appearance.
A weighted bead head, typically brass or colored, adds both weight and visual appeal. Gold and silver are classic options, but fluorescent shades can improve visibility in murky water or low-light conditions, making the fly even more enticing.
For the tail, opt for Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam—both materials offer buoyancy and mimic the natural appearance of fish roe. Popular colors include pink, orange, and chartreuse, which are proven to attract salmon and steelhead. If you want extra flash, consider adding a few strands of Crystal Flash to imitate the reflective qualities of real fish eggs.
Finally, the body is crafted from the same Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam, giving the fly a rounded, full-bodied profile that’s hard for fish to resist. Layer the material tightly around the hook to achieve the perfect egg-like shape, ensuring maximum effectiveness in the water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tying the Little Chum Bug Fly
To start, secure the Mustad 37132 (or an equivalent hook) in your vise and wrap 3/0 Uni Thread around the shank, beginning just behind the eye. Work the thread toward the bend to create a solid foundation for your materials.
Before continuing, slide a bead head (brass or colored) onto the hook and position it near the eye. This weight helps the fly sink and drift naturally through the water, making it more enticing to fish.
Next, prepare the tail by selecting a small clump of Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam in your desired color. Tie it in at the bend of the hook, ensuring it extends roughly the length of the shank. If you want to add extra flash, now is the time to tie in a few strands of Crystal Flash along with the tail material.
For the body, use the same Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam. Wrap it tightly around the hook shank, starting from the base of the tail and working forward toward the bead head. A firm, rounded body gives the fly a realistic egg-like appearance that fish find hard to resist. Once you reach the bead head, secure the yarn with your thread.
Finally, make a few extra thread wraps just behind the bead head to lock everything in place. Finish with a whip finish knot, then apply a small dab of head cement to ensure durability, so your fly holds up through multiple catches.
5 Pro Tips for Tying and Fishing the Little Chum Bug Fly
1. Tail Length Matters
The length of the tail plays a crucial role in the fly’s effectiveness. A tail that is too long can disrupt the natural drift, making it less appealing to fish. For size 10 hooks, keep the tail short and compact to maintain a natural profile. Larger hooks, such as size 6, can handle a slightly longer tail, which may help create additional movement in the water.
2. Experiment with Color Combinations
Using different color variations of Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam can make a significant difference in how fish respond to your fly. Traditional salmon-catching colors like pink and orange are always reliable, but don’t overlook alternatives such as chartreuse or fluorescent yellow, especially in murky water or when fish are being selective. Changing up the colors can trigger strikes when standard patterns aren’t working.
3. Fish the Fly Under an Indicator
The Little Chum Bug Fly performs best when drifted slowly under a strike indicator. Keeping your line tight and paying attention to even the slightest movements can make the difference between missing a strike and landing a fish. A properly set indicator ensures that your fly remains in the strike zone while giving you clear visual cues when a fish takes the fly.
4. Adjust for Seasonal Conditions
Your fishing approach should adapt to seasonal changes. During colder months, fish tend to move into deeper pools where they conserve energy. To reach these fish, slow down your drift and allow the weighted bead head to bring the fly to the appropriate depth. In warmer months, fish may be more active in shallower runs, requiring lighter presentations and faster drifts.
5. Try Different Bead Head Colors
While brass bead heads are a classic choice, experimenting with different colors can add an extra visual trigger for fish. Bright colors like red, chartreuse, or even fluorescent orange can stand out in low-light conditions or stained water, making your fly more visible and increasing your chances of a strike.
About the Little Chum Bug Fly
This fly fishing lure was originally designed by Steve Burke for chum salmon in the salt. We changed the pattern just a little, tied some up, and tried them on the Salmon River. They worked so well we tied up some more in different sizes and color combinations that should work for big river and small stream fly fishing alike.
This is a very simple and quick pattern to tie, especially for those interesting in trying to learn fly fishing and ties. It is very effective during the salmon season, but we have found out the browns and steelhead really like this fly fishing lure, especially when small stream fly fishing. (Looks like an egg, must be an egg) . Glo-Bug yarn and Mcfly foam come in a variety of colors. As I have said many times before, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different color combinations. What works today may not work tomorrow, so make sure to pack a few variations in your fly fishing tackle bag.
How to Use the Little Chum Bug Fly
The beauty of the Little Chum Bug Fly lies in its simplicity. It’s quick and easy to tie, making it an excellent choice for beginners learning the art of fly tying. Whether you’re just getting into the world of fly fishing or you’re an experienced angler, this fly offers reliability without requiring intricate techniques. In particular, it shines during salmon season, but it has proven to be just as attractive to brown trout and steelhead, especially when fishing smaller streams. Its egg-like appearance is likely why it draws strikes from a wide range of species—fish see it and instinctively bite, assuming it’s an easy meal.
Versatile Materials and Color Options
One of the advantages of the Little Chum Bug Fly is its flexibility in materials and colors. The fly’s main components, Glo-Bug yarn and McFly foam, come in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize your flies to match conditions and fish preferences. While traditional colors like orange and pink tend to work well for salmon and steelhead, don’t hesitate to experiment with more unconventional color combinations. Sometimes subtle variations in color can make a big difference, particularly when fish become finicky. A tip for success: what works one day might not work the next, so be sure to have a range of color options in your fly box.
Experiment and Adapt
Fly fishing is as much about adapting to the conditions as it is about skill. The Little Chum Bug Fly gives you a strong foundation, but you should never be afraid to tweak your approach. Change up the color of the yarn, adjust the size of the fly, or try different combinations depending on the water clarity, light conditions, or even the species you’re targeting. Having a variety of Little Chum Bug Flies in your tackle bag, tied in different sizes and colors, will give you the confidence to tackle any situation you face on the water.
Perfect for Salmon, Steelhead, and Browns
While initially intended for chum salmon, this fly’s egg-like appearance has made it a favorite for other species, including salmon and steelhead. Browns, particularly in smaller streams, also find it hard to resist. Its versatility makes it a staple in any angler’s fly box during the salmon run, but don’t be surprised when it produces bites in off-seasons or for other species.
How to Use the Little Chum Bug Fly
If you’re new to fly fishing, don’t let the terminology or techniques intimidate you. The best way to learn is simply to get out on the water and practice.
When using the Little Chum Bug Fly, the key is to fish it with a dead drift technique. Start by ensuring your weight and indicator are set up correctly so that the Chum Bug rolls just above the bottom. Achieving a drag-free drift is essential; your line or indicator should move seamlessly with the current, without any lag.
A helpful tip: since this fly is made with a significant amount of yarn, make sure to soak it before your first cast. You can do this by rubbing the fly between your fingers under the water, which helps it sink more effectively.
If you’re looking to switch things up or if the egg pattern isn’t producing bites, try tying on a Little Chum Bug Fly. You might just find that it becomes a staple in your tackle bag!
Original Article By Brad Berlin
About the Author
Brad Berlin has been tying flies and fishing many of the local streams in the northeast, and especially central Pennsylvania, for over 20 years. He guides on area streams and the Susquehanna River. Brad teaches classes in fly tying and casting. He enjoys fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario in the fall.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
