Instructions for AF Hopper Fly Tying

The AF Hopper is an excellent fly because it rides low in the surface film and is difficult to sink. The combination of foam, hackle and elk hair makes this a great choice for imitating summer terrestrials for trout. The rubber legs also add motion to the fly as it floats. Tying the fly requires basic skills and the ability to measure and judge portions. The hopper is also available for purchase through the Orvis company and Orvis brand dealers.

Things You'll Need

  • Tiemco 2487 hook
  • 2mm foam
  • 6/0 thread
  • Floss
  • Elk hair
  • Grizzly dry fly hackle
  • Black round rubber legs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the bend of the hook in the fly-tying vise. Start the green thread at the halfway point on the hook shank and wrap the thread forward to the bend in the hook.

    • 2

      Cut a half-inch-diameter piece of 2mm green foam. Make several thread wraps to secure one end of the foam strip to the bend of the hook. Cover the foam with the thread until you reach the eye of the hook. Wrap the thread tight to compress the foam for the body of the fly. Wrap the green floss over the entire body of foam to create a smooth body. Whip-finish the floss and cut it away from the fly.

    • 3

      Fold the foam strip forward and make several tight wraps of thread to hold it in place as a wing. Cut the foam wing so it is slightly shorter than the end of the body. The foam will sit at a slight upward angle.

    • 4

      Cut a small clump of elk hair from a patch of hide. Use your fingers to comb loose hairs and underfur from the hair. Place the tips of the fur in a hair stacker and tap it against a hard surface to align the tips. Lay the hair on the foam wing and make several wraps of thread to secure it to the top of the wing.

    • 5

      Place one rubber leg against the side of the base of the wing. Make several wraps of the thread to secure the leg. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the fly. Trim the legs to twice the length of the fly.

    • 6

      Tie a grizzle hackle fiber to the base of the wing. Make several wraps of thread to secure the hackle by the tip. Wrap the thread forward and stop it just before the eye of the hook. Wrap the hackle forward to the thread and make several wraps to tie off the hackle. Cut away the excess hackle and use a whip finisher to complete the fly.