John Scott posted that great looking hopper so I tied a few up…one size 10 the other size 8.
Made them a bit bulkier in hopes of pleasing some Smallies and that they did…hope you all noticed the fire tipped legs I added to the one…what the heck…that’s the one that was on the 7’ 3 wt all morning on the river and IT WORKED like crazy.
The weather has been funky here and I “think” that is what kept the big ones down but the smaller ones ate that fly up as did the Rock Bass…probably about 20 or so in 4 hours of wading.
Enjoy the photos…I hope, still playing with the newest camera so they obviously are not perfect…but I had great scenery and almost crystal clear water to fish in with a great pattern from a member!
You know, the beauty of fly tying is the absolute reality that we are a creative bunch. John’s hopper pattern is a killer pattern and probably will become a well-known pattern and many others will make many, many changes and variations, but we have John to thank for a great pattern. Thanks for the report and congrats on the success.
THE VERY BEST thing about coming up with a new pattern is hearing that it worked for other people and for different species. WOW, a trout fly from Idaho makes the big time with smallmouth and rock bass in Ohio.
John
P.S. Tom Banyas of Pocatello ID, who gets some credit for this fly, has one of mine and already has promised to “bastardize” the pattern. Like Kelly said, make it your own, and make it work. Like Bruce Staples always says - “It isn’t the fly, its the presentation.” Not saying I agree with Bruce, but he certainly has earned being quoted on just about anything ( printable ) that he says.
P.P.S. Had confirmation from Deanna yesterday that the FEB Hopper will be next week’s FOTW. May even include that beautiful grayling I caught with it yesterday ??
