In this video, Simon ties a fantastic realistic hopper that should be in your box this summer. This pattern offers a realistic, yet durable construction. Sometimes the issue with more realistic looking flies is that they are delicate and cannot withstand several eats. A more realistic looking fly in theory should get eaten more, and the designer should account for that. Certain techniques like wally wings, biot legs, etc just aren’t durable enough for a fly that will get thrashed. This fly employs Hairline’s new Hi-Float Foam that they came out with last year. This open cell foam floats high and can withstand shearing forces from small gel spun style threads like Semperfli Nano Silk. The large legs in the rear mimic realistic hopper legs and will kick when the fly is twitched and stripped. This mimics the behavior of a hopper attempting to swim to the bank. Fish this fly solo, or tag a dropper below. The large Widow’s Web wing paired with Hi-Float Foam makes this fly an excellent choice for dry dropper setups. This fly can be sized up or down and colors can be changed to match the many species of hopper on your banks this summer.
Hook- Ahrex Sedge AFW530: Size 10
Thread- Semperfli Nanosilk: Olive
Dubbing- Hareline Microfine Dry Dub: PMD Olive Dun & Superfine Dub
Foam- Hareline 2mm Hi-Float Foam: Hopper Tan
Legs- Hareline Round Rubber Legs: Red & Montana Fly Co. Medium Barred Sexi Floss: Orange
Wing- Montana Fly Co. Widows Web: White & Green
Additional Tools- Stonfo Extended Body Tool & Copic Markers Pale Sepia and Light Camel
Additional Materials- Brush On Loctite & Dubbing Wax
Resin: Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch: Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin: Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
