Cigar Bomber Fly

The Cigar Bomber Fly is a classic Atlantic salmon dry fly designed to provoke aggressive surface takes. It belongs in every salmon angler's box because of its ability to wake fish in clear water rivers. This pattern specifically targets Atlantic salmon and steelhead by creating a distinct disturbance on the water surface.

What It Imitates

This pattern does not copy a specific hatch or insect. It acts as an attractor pattern that simulates a struggling insect or small mouse on the surface to trigger a predatory response.

How To Use It

Fish this fly on a floating line with a long leader. You can dead drift it like a traditional dry fly over a salmon lie. Alternatively, use a riffle hitch or line tension to skate the fly across the surface. The waking action often draws strikes when dead drifting fails to move a fish.

When To Use It

This pattern shines during the summer months when water levels are lower and clearer. It works well in both low light mornings and bright afternoons. Use it when fish are holding in pools but refusing subsurface flies.

Why We Like It

The spun deer hair body provides incredible buoyancy that keeps it floating high all day. The cigar profile offers a distinct, slimmer silhouette compared to standard round bombers. We appreciate how the palmered hackle creates a lifelike wake that salmon find hard to resist.

Comparisons

Cigar Bomber Fly vs Standard Bomber: The Cigar Bomber features a tapered, cylindrical body shape, while the Standard Bomber often has a more rounded or bullet profile. The Cigar shape creates a longer, slimmer silhouette on the water. Choose the Cigar version when you want a slightly more subtle wake profile for wary fish.

Cigar Bomber Fly vs Green Machine: The Cigar Bomber is a spun deer hair dry fly meant for the surface, whereas the Green Machine is a buggier pattern often fished damp or in the film. The Green Machine uses a similar body style but lacks the high-floating bulk of the Bomber. Pick the Bomber for pure surface action and the Green Machine for subsurface work.

Cigar Bomber Fly vs Royal Wulff: The Cigar Bomber creates a waking action that agitates fish through movement and size. The Royal Wulff is a dead-drift imitation of a large mayfly. Use the Cigar Bomber to cover water and search for active fish. Switch to the Royal Wulff if you see fish sipping specific insects in the film.