The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
Hopper
Hard - 10-15 Min
Coldwater
Although there are some “OK” substitutions for this fly, there really aren’t any that jump out as a great idea. This is just one of those bugs that has a specific recipe to follow. It is one of the best hopper patterns out there, and much more realistic than some of it’s foam competitors. Don’t let the strict recipe deter you!
The original natural color of this fly is super popular, and for good reason. It catches fish consistently, and floats like a cork. It is also a winner when tied in olive. Some people overlook an olive hopper, but it can be a beautiful thing if it’s put together correctly. If you wanted to give this fly a bit of a modern touch, and some durability, replace the pheasant tail legs with rubber legs or spanflex. You can still tie the knot in them to achieve a similar look.
Between the McFlylon, and the deer hair, this fly floats all day long just like it’s supposed to. It’s also a top competitor for one of of the most realistic hopper patterns out there. Foam flies are great and all, but when it comes down to producing the most, or biggest fish; realistic is the way to go. Once you get the hang of this fly on the vise, they are really fun to tie!
Dave’s Hopper is one of the most solid options for the hopper part of a hopper dropper rig. This bug will float even some of the larger nymphs out there that you may be fishing during summertime, when the hoppers are out and about. Very tight to the bank is the best place to consistently put this fly on the river. Hoppers will get blown out of the grass, or swept into the water extremely close to the edge of the river.
| Regional Hatch Chart | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Region: West, Northwest, East, Southeast, Midwest
Hopper Sizes: #6 - #16
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Copyright © 2003 – 2025 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved.