Copland's Hopper

Materials

How to Tie the Copland's Hopper

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the Tiemco TMC 100 dry fly hook in the vise. Start the UTC 140D tan thread and build a thread base to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a small bunch of ringneck pheasant tail fibers as a short tail extending past the bend.

   The pheasant tail fibers add a natural, mottled look to the rear of the fly.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Cut a strip of Fulling Mill 3mm tan bug foam and tie it in at the tail. Leave it extending rearward for now — it will be folded forward in stages.

   Cut the foam strip about 1.5x the hook shank width for proper body coverage.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in several strands of peacock herl at the tail. Wrap forward to form the underbody, creating a buggy, iridescent base. Tie off at about mid-shank.

   Peacock herl is one of the most fish-attracting materials — the natural iridescence is irresistible.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Fold the foam strip forward over the peacock herl underbody and tie it down at mid-shank to form the first foam segment.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in a pair of Wapsi Sili Legs in green pumpkin on each side at the mid-shank tie-down point.

   Sili legs provide incredible movement — position them to splay outward naturally.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Tie in a MFC barred yellow saddle hackle at mid-shank. Continue building underbody with additional peacock herl wraps if needed.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Wrap the yellow barred saddle hackle forward a few turns through the thorax area. Tie off.

   The barred hackle adds flotation and a buggy, natural look.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Tie in a sparse clump of white McFlyFoam polypro as a wing on top, extending rearward. Trim to shape.

   The white wing serves as a visibility aid — keep it sparse enough to not overpower the fly.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Fold the foam forward again over the thorax and tie down behind the eye to form the head.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Wrap a collar of peacock herl behind the eye for a finished head. Whip finish and trim.

    Fish this pattern with a hopper-dropper rig — trail a small nymph 12-24 inches below.