Ryan Brennecke / The BulletinRed Bug, tied by Pete Ouelette.

Fly-fishing is traced by historians back through a Roman named Claudius Aelianus who described the practice of Macedonian anglers on the Astraeus River. The Red Bug pictured here is a throwback to those days.

“Then they throw their snare, and the fish, attracted and maddened by the color, comes straight at it, thinking from the pretty sight to gain a dainty mouthful,” Aelianus wrote. “When, however, it opens its jaws, it is caught by the hook, and enjoys a bitter repast, a captive.”

Tie the Red Bug on a No. 10-12 dry fly hook. Tie the tail and body with red wool, rib with oval gold tinsel. Finish with a natural red dry fly hackle.

—Gary Lewis, For The Bulletin