Fly Tying Inventory
Joe's Hopper
A classic grasshopper pattern created by Joe Messinger in the 1950s. Known for its distinctive red hackle fiber tail which can make a huge difference in attracting fish. Simpler to tie than Dave's Hopper while remaining highly effective. Switch to this pattern when other hopper patterns stop producing. A rugged, time-tested design that floats well and catches fish consistently.
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Materials
Tiemco 5212 or Mustad 94831, sizes 6-14
Black 6/0
Red hackle fibers
Yellow wool yarn
Brown hackle, palmered and trimmed short
Mottled turkey wing quill sections, treated with Flexament
Brown and grizzly mixed rooster hackle
How to Tie the Joe's Hopper
- 1
Step 1
Attach thread to the hook and wind a firm base from eye to bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a small bunch of red hackle fibers for the tail, about as long as the hook gap.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a length of yellow wool yarn at the tail and wrap forward to form a slightly tapered body.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in a brown hackle at the tail position and palmer it forward over the body. Tie off and trim the hackle short to form stubby legs.
Trimming the palmered hackle short creates a buggy appearance while maintaining some floatation.
- 5
Step 5
Select paired mottled turkey quill slips and tie in on either side to form tent-style wings, not extending far beyond the tail.
Treat turkey quill with Flexament before tying to prevent splitting.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in a brown or mixed brown and grizzly hackle in front of the wings and make several wraps. Tie off and trim.
- 7
Step 7
Form a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m41KDup-LFE
Credit: Joe Messinger