GREEN LEAF HOPPER

Reprint - July 28, 2014

A timely reprint from the third quarter of 1998:

This is a terrestrial, tied for late summer. Leaf hoppers occur in a huge variety of size and colors. Available world wide. Tie it to match your local variety. It is one of my favorites for fall.

Materials:

• Hook: TMC 100; 16-20.
• Thread: White 6/0.
• Body: White thread.
• Hackle: Insect green hackle.
• Wing: Insect green mallard flank.

Tying Instructions:

1. Attach thread and dress hook to build a base and body, winding to finish at the rear of the hook.
   
2. Tie in hackle at rear of hook and palmer closely to the eye. Tie off.
   
3. Clip both the top and bottom of the hackle, leaving the sides.
   
4. Attach wing flat over the back.
   
5. Whip finish.
6. Apply lacquer or head cement over the wing. Let dry overnight and apply a second coat.

All leaf hoppers secrete a liquid. Some are used to make dyes, others in the production of shellac. The common factor in all of the hopper patterns is the wing lies flat on the back and is lacquered.

Fishing the Fly

Fish this fly tight to the banks; either dead drifted or with slight twitches. A soft, careful presentation is not necessary since any of the terrestrials tend to be in the water by accident rather than design. Try bouncing the fly off overhanging foliage so it hits the water like the natural falling in.~The Ladyfisher

Reprint from the FAOL archives – August 24, 1998

 

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Fly Tying Terms

Beginning Fly Tying | Intermediate Fly Tying | Advanced Fly Tying.

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