How to Tie a Copper John Fly

The Copper John fly is a fly-fishing nymph pattern created by John Barr in 1996. The Copper John gained popularity among fly anglers because of its high catch rate. This compact-design pattern is characterized by its gold bead, flash and hackle. The fly sinks quickly to the fish and is able to descend to the bottom in a natural fashion that attracts fish really well. Tie your own Copper John fly and test its prowess in your own local fly-fishing grounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Gold bead
  • Hook
  • Vise
  • Lead-free weight
  • Lead Wire
  • Black ultra thread
  • Brown goose biots
  • Copper ultra wire
  • Olive and pearl flashabou
  • Peacock herl
  • Scissors
  • Epoxy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the gold bead over the hook-eye. Place the hook in the vise and make 10 wraps of lead-free weight behind the bead. Slide the wraps into the space behind the bead.

    • 2

      Join the thread to the hook shank and thread it over the lead weight. Tie a pair of black goose biots at the rear of the fly, just above the hook barb.

    • 3

      Cut a 4-inch section of copper wire and tie it to the body of the fly. Cover this with thread until it's above the barb. Make wraps of copper wire on the hook shank up to the lead-free weight.

    • 4

      Tie three strands of flashabou over the copper body and then tie three strands of peacock herl. Do not make more than three turns each to avoid overcrowding the eye. Twist the peacock herl before wrapping it up, then cut the excess strands with the scissors.

    • 5

      Tie five strands of peacock herl on each side of the fly. Fold the flashabou forward over the fly's peacock body, then cut excess thread and cement it.

    • 6

      Apply epoxy over the back of the fly, on the flashabou strands up to the bead. This will lock all strands into place. Allow the fly to dry thoroughly before use.