A Spectacular Fly Fishing Lure – Little Chum Bug

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

1. Hook – Mustad 37132 Size 10, 8, 6 (or equivalent):
   • These sizes are ideal for salmon and steelhead fishing. The Mustad 37132 is a reliable option, but any strong hook designed for salmonid species will work well. Size 10 is great for low-water conditions, while size 6 is more suited for larger rivers or aggressive fish.
2. Thread – 3/0 Uni Thread (Color to Match Yarn):
   • The thread is the foundation of your fly. For this pattern, use 3/0 Uni Thread, which is strong enough to handle bigger fish. Choose a color that matches or complements the yarn you’re using for the body, typically white, orange, or chartreuse, to maintain a uniform look.
3. Weighted Bead Head – Brass or Colored:
   • Adding a bead head to the fly not only gives it extra weight but also adds a visual attractant for fish. Brass is the most common choice, but you can use colored bead heads to give your fly an extra pop. Gold, silver, or even fluorescent colors can help make the fly more noticeable in murky water or low-light conditions.
4. Tail – Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam:
   • For the tail, use Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam. These materials are designed to float and can add buoyancy to your fly. The yarn creates an egg-like appearance that mimics real fish roe, making it highly attractive to salmon and steelhead. Glo-Bug yarn in pink, orange, and chartreuse is popular for this pattern.
5. Crystal Flash (Optional):
   • Adding a few strands of Crystal Flash to the tail can make the fly shimmer in the water, imitating the reflective qualities of fish eggs. This is an optional addition, but it’s a great way to enhance the fly’s visibility in low-light or deeper water conditions.
6. Body – Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam:
   • Similar to the tail, the body of the fly is tied using Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam. This gives the fly a rounded, egg-like profile that’s irresistible to salmon and steelhead. Layer the yarn or foam tightly around the hook to create a full-bodied appearance that fish will find hard to ignore.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying the Little Chum Bug Fly

1. Start the Hook Base: Secure the Mustad 37132 (or equivalent hook) into your vice and start wrapping the 3/0 Uni Thread around the shank, beginning just behind the eye. Work the thread toward the bend of the hook, creating a solid base for your materials.
2. Add the Bead Head: Before securing the thread, slide a bead head (brass or colored) onto the hook. Position it near the eye of the hook. The weight from the bead head will allow your fly to sink and drift naturally through the water.
3. Attach the Tail: Select a small clump of Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam in your chosen color. Tie it in at the bend of the hook. The tail should be roughly the length of the hook shank. If you’re adding Crystal Flash, now’s the time to tie in a few strands along with the tail material.
4. Create the Body: Using the same Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam, begin wrapping it around the hook shank, starting at the base of the tail and working your way forward toward the bead head. Make sure to wrap the material tightly to ensure a firm, rounded body. This will give the fly a realistic egg-like appearance. Once you reach the bead head, tie off the yarn with your thread.
5. Secure the Fly: Make a few more thread wraps just behind the bead head to lock everything in place. Use a whip finish to secure the thread and apply a small dab of head cement to make sure your fly holds up through multiple fish.

5 Pro Tips for Tying and Fishing the Little Chum Bug Fly

1. Tail Length Matters: The tail should be proportional to the hook size. If the tail is too long, it may interfere with the fly’s drift. For size 10 hooks, keep the tail short and compact, while size 6 hooks can handle a slightly longer tail.
2. Color Combinations: Try different combinations of Glo-Bug Yarn or McFly Foam. Pink and orange are classic salmon-catching colors, but chartreuse and fluorescent yellow can work wonders in off-colored water or when fish are being selective.
3. Fish the Fly Under an Indicator: The Little Chum Bug Fly works best when drifted slowly under a strike indicator. Keep your line tight and watch for subtle movements that may signal a fish has taken the fly.
4. Seasonal Adjustments: In colder months, slow your drift and fish deeper pools where salmon and steelhead tend to hold. The weighted bead head will help you reach these fish.
5. Experiment with Bead Head Colors: While brass is the traditional choice, don’t be afraid to try out colored bead heads. Bright colors like red or chartreuse can add a visual attractant, especially in low-light conditions.

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.