Learn To Tie The Bugmeister Fly Pattern

With John Perry, the Pattern Originator

Winter came early to the northern Rockies, so to pass the time, I headed down to my local fly shop, the Rock Creek Mercantile. On Saturday, John Perry would teach his signature fly, the Bugmeister pattern, at the fly tyers round table.

A long-time Montana outfitter and guide, John Perry lives on Rock Creek. He originated the dry fly attractor pattern during his years as a guide on the rivers where he guides. John is quite an animated character and loves to share stories, fly tying techniques, and his knowledge of Montana rivers.

The video was edited to only his instruction on tying the Bugmeister. I hope to do an outtake video of the numerous stories and antidotes he delights his audience with at a later time.

Bugmeister Dry Fly Attractor Pattern Recipe

  • Size 6, long shank dry fly hook

  • 6.0 thread in a dark shade

  • Elk hair

  • Peacock

  • Orange calf tail or other material for post

  • Crystal flash

  • Grizzly hackle 

Dry Fly Attractor Fly For Trout

The Bugmeister is an attractor pattern which means it really doesn’t represent any particular insect that occurs in nature. Instead, an attractor pattern is meant to imitate numerous bugs that trout love. In the case of the Bugmeister, it could imitate a larger stonefly dry, a grasshopper, or a large mayfly drake that has crashed into the water’s surface. 

The Bugmeister is a parachute-style dry fly. That makes it perfect for fishing in fast water as it is very visible and it will float well. Fish they fly in current or in a back eddy. A delicate presentation is not necessary with this pattern. Smack the fly on the surface which will imitate a bug such as a grasshopper or a poor flying stonefly crashing to the water. Often, the sound of the splat on the water will cause a trout to strike.

Tie up some Bugmeister flies for your next fly fishing adventure.