The ultra buzzer is one of a thousand ways to tie a buzzer pattern, but it is simple, effective and ultra durable. Originating in the UK, the buzzer (chironomid imitation) is an onomatopoeia to describe the larger chironomids that anglers would hear as they emerged by the thousands.
This pattern proves to be just as effective on our local ponds as it is over-seas and it uses the same foundational techniques used for tying most buzzer patterns. Follow through this tutorial for insightful tips that will save you time and energy.
I use Togens ultra stretch material as it is very durable and makes tying effortless. The addition of the natural peacock herl has subtle movement and holds colours, in my opinion, better than synthetics. There is an endless amount of variations to this pattern, and they all get the job done. This is my personal favourite style of buzzer as it makes for less time on the bench and more time on the water!
Hook: Togens sz 12 scud
Thread: Danville 6/0 waxed thread, black
Body: Togens Ultra Stretch, grey
Thorax: Peacock herl
Wingbuds: Togens Stretch, rootbeer
Begin wrapping your thread at the eye of the hook. Continue to wrap the thread well into the bend of the hook and back up to about the hook point. This is an easily forgotten step that is crucial as it will allow the stretch material to hold better on the hook when tied in.
Take your grey ultra stretch and tie one end onto the hook shank. Make sure it is well secured with thread pressure as the ultra stretch material will slip if pulled on too hard.
Continue to wrap your thread down the hook and secure the ultra stretch material to the same place in the bend of the hook as your thread. Wrap the thread back up to the same location, just past the hook point.
Wrap the stretch material up to just past the hook point and secure with thread. Make sure that each wrap of the grey stretch is snug tight together. I suggest a quick half hitch to ensure that if the bobbin is jostled, the ultra stretch material will not unravel. Trim excess.
Take your rootbeer ultra stretch and tie one end onto one side of the hook. Wrap the rootbeer ultra stretch up tight to the grey ultra stretch.
Repeat step 5 by tying the other end of the rootbeer ultra stretch to the other side of the hook.
Take 2 or 3 strands of natural peacock herl and tie them on top of the hook. Wrap your thread until the peacock herl is up tight against the grey ultra stretch.
Carefully wrap the peacock herl up to the eye of the hook, tie off and trim excess. Be careful with natural peacock herl as it is very fragile and will break if too much tension is used. Again, put a half hitch to prevent the peacock herl from unraveling if your bobbin slips off the eye. As you have now trimmed your peacock herl, if it slips it will be extremely difficult to save as you have lost the excess length.
Hold the rootbeer ultra stretch material from the middle of your loop and pull towards the eye. Carefully secure the ultra stretch with one or two over-and-under wraps (wrapping the thread “over and under” the stretch material to secure). Again, this should be followed by a half hitch for the same purpose as before. Trim excess.
Build a neat head and whip finish. Be careful not to build up too much thread as it might cover the eye of the hook. I like to put two or three, four turn whip finishes for extra security.
Apply a thin coat of UV resin on the head and grey ultra stretch. You have now made this fly bomb proof and able to withstand many more fish! Good work!
Known as the traditional chironomid and go to hook when fly fishing. Flies tied on hooks with bent shanks or continuous bends have a more natural shape and look more life-like.
