Mr. Bodangles: Video Fly Tying Tutorial

At Aleutian Adventures, we’re fortunate to work alongside some of the most knowledgeable anglers, guides, and fly tiers in Alaska. One of the great resources in our industry is Alaska Fly Fishing Goods, whose staff has spent decades fishing and developing fly patterns for Alaska’s unique fisheries. We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Alaska Fly Fishing Goods for sharing the history, tying instructions, and insights behind one of Alaska’s most productive silver salmon flies: the Mr. Bodangles.

More than just another bright salmon fly, the Mr. Bodangles is a purpose-built pattern designed specifically for Alaska’s silver salmon. Combining movement, flash, and a distinctive jigging action, it has become a staple in fly boxes from Bristol Bay to the Alaska Peninsula.

This is the story behind the pattern, why it works so well, and how to tie it yourself.

Mr. Bodangles was designed in 2008 by Alaska fly tier and guide Mike Cole at Alaska Fly Fishing Goods while exploring new silver salmon patterns. After years guiding in Bristol Bay, Mike had seen firsthand how effective marabou jigs and squid-style lures were for coho. His goal was to create a fly that replicated that same lifelike motion while remaining easy to cast and fish with fly tackle.

Early versions experimented with keel hooks, weighted eyes, and silicone legs to create a strong jigging action. But something was missing. The breakthrough came after observing the effectiveness of the Dolly Llama fly, which combined motion with flash that “lit up underwater.” By incorporating saltwater flashabou into the design, Mike completed the formula—creating a fly with both movement and visual attraction.

The name came from the motion itself. When lifted and dropped, the rubber legs shifted from dangling to dancing, reminiscent of the tap-dancing legend Bill “Mr. Bojangles” Robinson. The name stuck—and so did the fly’s effectiveness.

Mr. Bodangles represents what makes Alaska fly design unique—patterns developed on the water, refined by guides, and proven over thousands of fish. It combines the movement of a jig, the flash of baitfish, and the versatility needed for swinging or stripping presentations.

On remote rivers, like the Sapsuk, where silvers arrive fresh from the ocean, few flies inspire more confidence. Whether you tie your own or fish commercial versions, Mr. Bodangles has earned its place as one of the most effective salmon flies ever created.