Tying the Complex Twist Bugger

Producer: Fly Fish Food

Do you have a fly that you can always count on, the one that just plain works when nothing else will? For me, that fly is the Complex Twist Bugger (CTB). As much as I enjoy experimenting with new patterns, when the conditions get tough, or I need a fly I know will perform, the CTB is my go-to. Its brown and black color scheme has consistently produced when other flies have failed, and this spring it even helped me land the biggest fish of my life (though let’s be clear—caught and landed are two very different things).

This year, the Complex Twist Bugger has truly proven its worth, becoming a standout performer in our fly box. To make the fly even more effective, I’ve made a few adjustments to the pattern. I’ve started using a cone head—both brass and tungsten—for better weight and action. Additionally, I’ve upgraded to a higher-quality hook to ensure solid hooksets, and I’ve also tweaked the body material. Specifically, I swapped one of the chenille strands for a different color of schlappen, giving the fly a unique twist (yes, that’s two pieces of schlappen on one fly).

These small changes have made the CTB even more versatile and deadly in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re fishing in fast-moving water or slow, deep pools, the Complex Twist Bugger has the right combination of size, weight, and color to get the job done. It’s my confidence fly—always ready when I need it most—and I can’t recommend it enough for any angler looking for a reliable pattern that produces results.

Click here for the Complex Twist Bugger recipe and to purchase materials.