Dry FliesBakko's Phat Azz Hopper
Bakko's Phat Azz Hopper is a highly realistic grasshopper pattern designed by Colorado guide Kyle Bakko specifically for float fishing with dry/dropper rigs. This innovative foam hopper features a multi-layered laminated foam body that creates a substantial profile while maintaining excellent buoyancy. The combination of Sexi-Floss legs, Voodoo Fiber underwing, and Razor Foam details creates an irresistible terrestrial pattern that has proven deadly on Western rivers.
Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Kyle Bakko's innovative approach to hopper design for practical fishing applications. Kyle developed this pattern while guiding float trips where clients needed a buoyant indicator fly that could support a heavy nymph dropper. The "Phat Azz" name refers to the substantial three-layer laminated foam body that provides exceptional flotation. The use of specialized foam cutting tools like the River Road Creations Beavertail Foam Cutter helps achieve the consistent body shape that makes this pattern so effective.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2457, #6-12
Thread: Magpie Materials 110-denier or Veevus 8/0, brown
Body: Thin Fly Foam, 2mm, three laminated layers (cut with River Road Creations Beavertail Foam Cutter)
Underwing: Micro Barred Voodoo Fibers, olive or tan (Hareline)
Shell: Razor Foam, 1mm, tan
Sighter: Razor Foam, 1mm, orange
Thighs: Razor Foam, 1mm, tan
Front Legs: Sexi-Floss, medium, tan
Kicker Legs: Sexi-Floss, small, red
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and early fall when grasshopper activity peaks. Prime time is mid-morning through late afternoon when hoppers are most active along grassy riverbanks.
Presentation
Cast tight to grassy banks and structure where hoppers naturally fall into the water. The substantial foam body lands with a satisfying "plop" that attracts attention from nearby trout.
When to Use
Select this pattern when you need a hopper that can support a heavy nymph dropper in a dry/dropper rig. Excellent for float fishing where the buoyant indicator fly needs to track multiple drifts without waterlogging.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the larger Western rivers where float fishing is common. Excels along grassy banks, near overhanging vegetation, and in slower pools adjacent to terrestrial habitat.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 3X-4X tippet. The exceptional buoyancy allows this pattern to support heavy nymph droppers (size 16-20 beadheads) without compromising the drift.
Visibility & Floatation
The orange Razor Foam sighter provides excellent visibility for the angler while the multi-layer foam body ensures the fly rides high indefinitely. The substantial profile makes this pattern easy to track even in choppy water.
