The red and white fly called the Doodle Bug is also known as the Devil Bug. It’s a dry fly that works for both coldwater and warmwater species. You won’t see this bug in many online shops or racks at your local fly shop. In fact, the only place I know of that reliably sells it is Big Y Fly Company, where I’ve ordered from before.
I can’t vouch for the site, but looks like you can also get a juicy looking black version of it from Murrays Fly Shop, where it’s called the Cooper Bug.
I got to know the brightly colored version that I’m familiar with from a fishing camp in Western Maine. This fly will reliably catch brook trout. If you’re looking to try a new dry fly this coming year, give it a shot. I include a few recipes below that I’ve found online along with some instructional videos. Additional instructions available on garyborger.com. Spring is coming!
Recipe 1 from Rangeley Region Sports Shop:
Hook: dry fly #10
Thread: red
Body: red chenille
Wing: white, deer body hair
Recipe 2 from Orvis (along with a cool blog post):
Hook: Standard dry-fly hook (here a Dai-Riki #300), sizes 8-18.
Thread: Brown, 8/0 or 70 denier.
Tail/Back/head: Natural deer hair, cleaned and stacked.
Body: Red dry-fly dubbing.
Adhesive: Head cement or Sally Hansen Hard-As-Nails.
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Thanks, Dave! How do you like to fish this fly? Ponds, soft water, riffles?
Hey Bill. I’ve fished it mostly in soft water, but I would say it can work anywhere an attractor pattern like a Royal Wulff or Patriot would be appropriate.
Cooper bug (natural/peacock) can be a money fly on Maine Lakes for Brookies! One of mine anyway!
Interesting, hadn’t heard of that until now! https://www.panfishonthefly.com/blog/2021/3/16/fly-tying-friday-the-cooper-bug
I just tied up the normal Red with elk hair in size 12. Then I tied one up with a bright green body and elk hair. Anyone ever green for the Doidle Bug body? If how did it work our? I am in western PA
Hi Peter. I haven’t tried green, but I like your thinking, give it a shot and let me know how it goes. I just came back from a trip where this fly did well for me.