First Time Tying A Hopper...

[IndianaYakFish]

I'm new to tying and have just messed around with wooly buggers and clousers. Wanted to tie something different this morning and found a real easy pattern for a hopper on good ole' YouTube. Pretty basic and I know I need a bit thicker material for the legs, but this thin elastic sewing thread is what my wife had in her sewing basket at the time (sssssshhhhhh...don't tell her). Other than the legs, any constructive criticism? Thanks in advance!

[rainbowchaser]

I know it will draw strikes. I have some question about hookups with that much foam behind the hook point but only fishing it will answer that question. Try The website for Charlie's Fly Box for another good easy hopper pattern (charley boy hopper).

[ScottP]

Looks like it'll catch fish; nice job. In those colors it could pass for a katydid. Another good, easy fly that definitely catches fish is Al Campbell's Foam Hopper; floats low, makes a lot of commotion when it hits the water.

http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying...ate/part42.php

The Charlie Boy that rainbowchaser recommends is a great pattern, but maybe not one for a tier just starting out. Just my $.02

Regards,
Scott

[Uncle Jesse]

A possible source of rubber legs is bungee cords, some of them have white and black in them. Elastic cord are also good sources, of course then don't come in the color selection available at the fly shop. You can add color by clamping one end of the rubber in something and then clamping something like forceps on the other end and twist it. Pull it taut and run a felt tip down the rubber. When you release it the cord you have a stripe around the leg.

[AllenOK]

I've been known to use Silli Legs, as well as rubber skirt material for bass spinnerbaits. Some very interesting colors are available there.