I like tying beetles. It seems it doesn’t matter what size or color they are, the bluegills at the cabin LOOOVE crushing them.
Anyone have some good patterns? I like the foam and the deer-hair.
Post your favorite bluegill beetle…I’m already planning for winter, LOL. (That’s really sad…I know)
I’m not sure anything out there can beat a good foam beetle. They are so very simple to tie and the gills love 'em as does the occasional bass. Color doesn’t seem to matter as much as size, but I like to tie mine with a peacock herl underbody and black deer hair legs
This is my fravorite beetle pattern. It is easy to tie and fish. It is my Lady Bug.
LADY BUG
Hook: Mustad 94840 #14
Thread: UTC 140 Red
Body: Sheet Foam Red
Black Dots From Sharpy
Legs: Black Hackle Trimmed
Head: Cut End of Foam Colored
with black sharpie
Cover Foam and Thread with
Clear SHHAN
Hope you like this one. John
Here is the one I like. Link below:
[url=http://www.flyarchive.com/Bubble%20Foam%20Beetle.htm:fff7d]Bubble Foam Beetle[/url:fff7d]
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Here’s my feeble attempt at a Japanese beetle.
No. 8 aberdeen
Brown or root beer crystal chenille
black hackle palmered
adhesive backed craft foam, sticky side up.
peacock herl over the sticky foam.
Let me know if you try it and it works. I haven’t had a chance to use these after tying my version from what a local tackle shop owner did.
A brown or black tailess humpy, makes a good beetle pattern…Atleast the trout, pannies and Smallies, I’ve caught think so!
Hi NJ,
Go to the “panfish” section, and look in the archives. Back a while Rick Z. wrote a set of four articles on his favorite flies. He lists a beetle pattern under the title that is something like “Rick’s Favorite Bluegill Fliles”, and there are two of those articles.
One of my own favorites is a fun foam back with the body of peacock herl.
Regards,
Gandolf
How about using a coffee bean? Check out this site. I have had very good success on warmwater and will be trying it on Trout water soon. I glue a little piece of bright foam on top so I can see it easier.
I use the straight brown coffee bean epoxy the hook in the grouve along with two sets of white legs. Add white dots on top and epoxy the whole body to waterproof the bug. BILL
Does a Gartside Gurgler count as a beetle? It’s one of my favorites. I do them in black.
Semper Fi!