Dry FliesEgan's Bionic Hopper
Egan's Bionic Hopper is a modern foam hopper pattern designed by Lance Egan that combines excellent visibility with outstanding floatation. This innovative design features a foam cylinder body with a thin foam shell back, creating a realistic hopper profile while remaining virtually unsinkable. The white poly yarn wing provides easy tracking while Sexi Floss and Flex Floss legs add the lifelike movement that triggers aggressive strikes.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Lance Egan's innovative approach to hopper design that has become a favorite among competitive anglers and guides. The Bionic Hopper's genius lies in its combination of a foam cylinder underbody with a thin foam shell back, creating both the profile and durability needed for all-day fishing. The orange Krystal Flash tail provides a bright trigger point while the white poly yarn wing ensures anglers can track the fly in any conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100SP-BL, #10
Thread: Danville 3/0 Monocord, tan
Flash: Krystal Flash, orange
Body: Foam Cylinder, tan, 3/16"
Shell Back: Thin Fly Foam, brown, 2mm
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, white
Legs: MFC Sexi Floss, medium, golden yellow
Front Legs: Flex Floss, dark ginger
Adhesive: Zap-A-Gap
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. The exceptional buoyancy makes it ideal as an indicator fly in hopper-dropper rigs.
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. The foam construction provides exceptional buoyancy, supporting multiple heavy nymphs without sacrificing the hopper's natural attitude on the water.
Visibility & Floatation
The white poly yarn wing makes the fly easy to track even in choppy water or low-light conditions. The combination of foam cylinder and foam shell back ensures the fly floats indefinitely, making it perfect for extended drifts and dry-dropper fishing.
