An alternative to wire ...
... is StretchMagic over tying thread.
Kind of like the look, and you can tie body colors in any thread color you have available. I haven't made an effort to do so, but by varying the tension on the StrechMagic while wrapping it, you should be able to get a tapered effect. Here is an example with .5mm clear over orange thread on a size 16 1X short scud hook. It is probably lighter than wire, if that is a consideration. It comes in several larger sizes.
Best of all, the trouts seem to like it.
John
The fish are always right.