Killer Bug

The Killer Bug was originally used by famous river keeper Frank Sawyer for targeting grayling in large numbers. In days gone by, Sawyer like many river keepers, removed as many grayling as possible from the river as they were considered "vermin". The legend that grew up around the Killer Bug hinted that is was more effective at catching grayling than netting the river!

The original Killer Bug was tied with the (now discontinued) Chadwick's 477 yarn. Fish On's own Killer Bug yarn is a very close match to the original yarn and the grayling certainly don't seem to mind. Sawyer tied this fly using copper wire in place of tying silk but the pattern can be more easily tied using a lead wire underbody and copper coloured Ultimate Tying Silk (UTS). Don't be afraid to tie your Killer Bugs on the large side; size  10s and 12s are eagerly taken by grayling.

Hook: Fish On Nymph/Wet (size 10 pictured)
Underbody: Lead wire
Thread: Fish On UTS (copper)
Body: Fish On Killer Bug Yarn