How to Tie With Hopper Patterns

Hopper fly patterns are designed to imitate grasshoppers. The flies are designed to float on the surface and are most effective during the summer and early fall. Hopper patterns are especially effective after the first frost because the grasshopper wings are damaged and the insects fall into the water at a regular rate. Tying grasshopper patterns require intermediate skills and specialized materials to build a durable and high floating pattern.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 3/0 yellow thread
  • 2mm yellow foam
  • Razor blade
  • Elk hair
  • Round rubber legs
  • Instant glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a razor blade and ruler to cut a thin strip of yellow foam. One-quarter inch or less works well for hopper patterns. Secure the hook in the vise and wrap the thread from the one-half point to the bend.

    • 2

      Lay the foam strip on the hook shank and make 10 thread wraps to secure the strip. Wrap the thread three-quarters of the way up the shank and stop. Make consecutive foam wraps until you reach the thread and make 10 thread wraps to secure the foam body. Cut the extra foam off the hook.

    • 3

      Cut a clump of elk hair from a hide. Measure the hair with the tips extending over the hook bend. Hold the hair on top of the hook and make 10 thread wraps to secure the hair as a wing. Trim the base of the hair fibers.

    • 4

      Cut a one-inch wide foam strip. Hold the strip behind the wing and trim to match one-half the length of the hook. Make 10 thread wraps to secure the foam over-wing on the hook. Trim each end of the foam into a wedge shape.

    • 5

      Hold a rubber leg on each side of the foam. Make five thread wraps to secure the legs and trim the legs to match each other. Add a small drop of instant glue to the thread and top of the foam. Cut the thread from the hook.