Dry FliesBoy Wonder Hopper
The Boy Wonder Hopper is Charlie Craven's refined foam hopper pattern that combines proven fish-catching design with modern materials. This pattern features a tan foam body with a striking pink deer hair hot spot, blended poly yarn wing, and prominent rubber legs. The streamlined profile floats high while presenting a realistic hopper silhouette that trout find irresistible during the grasshopper season.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the evolution of foam hopper design for Western trout waters. The Boy Wonder combines structural simplicity with effective fish-catching elements including a prominent pink hot spot that acts as a visible strike indicator while adding attractor appeal. The dual wing system provides both visibility for the angler and a natural profile for the fish. The gold amber black rubber legs create lifelike movement that triggers aggressive strikes from trout conditioned to feed on hoppers.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100SP-BL or Tiemco 100, #8
Thread: Danville 3/0 Monocord, tan
Body: Fly Foam, 3mm, tan
Adhesive: Zap-A-Gap
Underwing: Polypropylene Macramé Yarn, blended
Hot Spot: Deer Belly Hair, pink
Legs: Fly Enhancer Legs, gold amber black
Overwing: Whitetail or All-Purpose Deer Hair, natural
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and early fall when grasshoppers are abundant along streamside meadows. Peak hopper activity occurs during warm, windy afternoons from July through September.
Presentation
Cast tight to grassy banks and let the fly land with a distinct splat to imitate a hopper falling into the water. A dead drift followed by subtle twitches mimics the struggling movements of a trapped grasshopper.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing meadow streams, spring creeks, and any water bordered by grassy banks during the terrestrial season. Excellent as a searching pattern or when fish are actively feeding on surface hoppers.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly meadow streams, tailwaters, and freestone rivers with grassy banks. Most effective on slower pools, undercut banks, and foam lines where terrestrials collect.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 3X-4X tippet for good turnover and presentation. The foam construction provides excellent buoyancy, making this an ideal indicator fly for a hopper-dropper rig.
Visibility & Floatation
The pink deer hair hot spot makes the fly easy to track even in choppy water. The 3mm foam body provides exceptional floatation, supporting heavy nymph droppers without sacrificing the hopper's natural attitude on the water.
