How to Tie the Carpet Bug Fly Pattern

May 02, 2022 · 2 min read

Learn how to tie the Carpet Bug fly pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.

Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. We are not a blog or a review site. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us.

The Carpet Bug is a buggy fly that imitates scud and sowbugs. Taking inspiration from the popular Ray Charles pattern, the Carpet Bug is a great choice when fishing limestone and tailwater systems. Still, you can fish it successfully anywhere these freshwater crustaceans are found. This fly can be tied in almost any size or color to match what's in your water.

Material List

Hook: Tiemco TMC 3761 (size: 12; can be tied in sizes 10-22)
Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 70 Denier (color: fluorescent orange)
Body: Hareline Rainbow Scud Dub (color: light shade)
Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire (size: small; color: black)
Back: Veevus Holographic Tinsel (size: medium; color: black)

Buy Material Kit

Step One

Curved hook clamped in vise with thin orange tubing body and trailing red thread, Carpet Bug fly tying close-up

Begin the pattern by establishing a thread base by running the thread from below the hook’s eye to the bend.

Step Two

Close-up of fly tying vise holding a small curved hook wrapped with bright orange thread for Carpet Bug fly

For the next step, we are working with Veevus’ Holographic Tinsel. Tie a strand directly on top of the shank and cover the material with thread, but leave the rear portion uncovered.

Step Three

Fly tying vise holding a hook with slim orange thread body and black ribbing forming Carpet Bug fly pattern

Begin the ribbing section by tying a section of Ultra Wire on the shank’s side, running the thread over the material, and shank. Like the Holographic Tinsel, be sure to leave the rear-facing material exposed.

Step Four

Pink Carpet Bug fly with gold bead head on hook in vise, fuzzy dubbed body and pale tying thread, fly tying

For the body, apply the first round of dubbing to the thread and run it from the eye to the bend.

Step Five

Pink Carpet Bug fly pattern tied on hook in vise, fuzzy pink dubbing and iridescent fibers for nymph fly tying

Apply the second dubbing portion to the thread, then advance it to the eye.

Step Six

Pink and white fuzzy Carpet Bug fly pattern on hook in vise with black antennae and orange fly tying thread

Pull the tinsel forward and secure it below the eye for the Carpet Bug’s shellback.

Step Seven

Small pink pearlescent Carpet Bug fly pattern with orange accent tied on hook in metal fly-tying vise

Finish the ribbed section by making evenly spaced wraps up the shank with the Ultra Wire, then secure the material at the eye.

Step Eight

Carpet Bug fly pattern: gray-pink synthetic dubbing, spiky fibers and small orange bead head on hook in vise, fly fishing

After building an orange head with the thread, complete a whip finish to complete the tying portion.

Step Nine

Carpet Bug fly pattern in vise with gray fuzzy dubbing, blue-black ribbing and small orange bead head

The Carpet Bug is ready to hit the water after using the bodkin to free trapped fibers between the fly’s segmented body.

Written by

Stephen D' Angelo

Stephen D'Angelo is a fly fishing expert with a passion for fly tying, gear, and time on the water. From small-stream trout to saltwater flats fishing, Stephen brings hands-on experience across a wide range of species and scenarios — and he's always happy to help you find the right setup for your next adventure.

Comments

(0)

No comments yet. Be the first!