Description: Jim Schollmeyer and Ted Leeson designed the Chugger for the Western waters they fish; both consider it the go-to fly wherever stoneflies or hoppers are present. Dirty yellow and tan are used to imitate golden stone adults and grasshoppers. Dirty orange is used for adult salmonflies. It has enough flotation to support a nymph dropper. The body is made from a flexible close-cell foam, that has larger cells then then other typically used foam. This foam makes the fly unsinkable and almost indestructible. The tan wing makes the fly easy to spot on the water.
The Chugger was recently featured in Flyfishing & Tying Journal - Spring 2010. Since neither Jim nor Ted sell their flies, Jim has graciously agreed to let Tracy Peterson tie the Chugger and offer it for sale here on MyFlies.
The Chugger is being offered individually or in a set. Individual flies consist of the Salmonfly, Golden Stone or Hopper. Sets include 2 of each fly.
Set 1 = 2 #4 Salmon Flies, 2 #8 Hoppers, 2 #6 Golden Stones
Set 2 = 2 #6 Salmon Flies, 2 #8 Hoppers 2 #6 Golden Stones
What it imitates: Salmon fly (Stone fly), Hopper
When to fish it: For Salmon and Stone flies, prior to, during, and just after adults are seen on the water ovipositing, or on the trees and bushes during the day. For Hoppers, anytime they are seen nearby streams, lakes, and rivers.
Where to fish it: On any river with good Salmon fly (large stone fly) populations. Any place hoppers are found.
How to fish it: Can be fished as a single fly; drag free on the surface. After the drift is complete the fly can be jerked under the surface and stripped back like a streamer fly. The fly doesn't absorb water, so one or two false casts will flick the water right off. It also can be fished in a two dry fly combination or as a dry-dropper setup.
Approximate turnaround time to complete this order: 7 - 10 days
MINIMUM ORDER FOR THIS FLY IS 1 UNIT - 1 UNIT CONSISTS OF 1 SET