Easy Hopper Pattern

**Darian** · 05-31-2007, 02:14 PM

JD,.... You're absolutely correct about the complexity of Dave's Hopper. One of my favorite foam patterns is one tied by Ken Hanley. Ken demonstrated tying this pattern at Kiene's Expo.

An alternative, simplified hopper pattern involves tying a bullethead (?) made from deer hair. The deer hair is tied in at the front of the hook shank by the butts with the tips of the hair facing out over the eye. The hair is bent back, evenly around the shank, and then tied off near the shoulder. Simple but durable/effective....

**slage** · 05-31-2007, 06:09 PM

Hairstacker-

That fly is insane!
Beautifully done as always.

**Matt Frey** · 06-01-2007, 02:10 PM

Mike,
Thanks for the pointers on stacking hair. I am a little confused but I think I will just have to try it to see how it pans out.

Darian
Are you talking about Ken's "KH Pygmy Hopper"?

Thanks again
Matt

**Steve Potter** · 06-01-2007, 08:06 PM

You should autograph that with a ballpoint pen its so tight. I have a grasshopper pattern that they used on the Green River in Utah for the Cicada hatch, its great on the Stan in the fall when the hoppers are around. I try to post a picture.
Steve

**Darian** · 06-01-2007, 08:31 PM

Yeah.... I think that's the name of it....

**Matt Frey** · 06-02-2007, 01:14 AM

Is this it?

**k.hanley** · 06-02-2007, 08:30 AM

That's one of the color variations Matt. Let your imaginaition go wild. My all-time favorite is actually a combo of dark olive,light olive,caddis green.

The fly is designed to ride low and make a subtle waking action when puppeteered.
Cheers, Ken
PS: Thanks Darian for the kind words... and Hairstacker that is one awesome looking hairbug!