Dry FliesHippy Stomper
The Hippy Stomper is a wildly effective attractor dry fly that has become a modern classic for prospecting water and fooling opportunistic trout. This eye-catching pattern features a foam back in black and chartreuse for excellent visibility and floatation, a flashy holographic tinsel body, white rubber legs for movement, and a buoyant macrame yarn wing. The combination creates a fly that suggests everything from hoppers to stoneflies to nothing in particular - which is precisely why trout eat it.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates why attractor patterns continue to dominate fly boxes across the country. The Hippy Stomper doesn't imitate any specific insect - instead, it triggers predatory responses with its combination of movement, flash, and profile. The foam back ensures the fly floats indefinitely even in the roughest water, while the chartreuse coloration makes it exceptionally easy to track. The white rubber legs create lifelike movement that trout find irresistible.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 3761, #10
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Tail: Moose Body Hair
Back: Razor Foam (black and chartreuse)
Body: Holographic Tinsel, medium olive
Legs: Fine Round Rubber Legs, white
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, white
Hackle: Rooster Cape, cree or grizzly
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and fall when terrestrials are active, but catches fish throughout the season as an attractor pattern. Peak effectiveness during hopper season from July through September.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift or add occasional twitches to imitate struggling terrestrials. The foam construction allows for splashy presentations that mimic hoppers landing on the water.
When to Use
Select this pattern when prospecting new water, during terrestrial season, or anytime fish are looking up but not keyed on a specific hatch. Excellent for high-gradient pocket water where trout are opportunistic.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly riffles, pocket water, and broken runs where fish are accustomed to grabbing whatever floats by. The high visibility makes it perfect for fast, turbulent water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 3X-4X tippet. The exceptional buoyancy makes this an outstanding indicator fly for heavy dry-dropper rigs. Can support substantial weighted nymphs.
Visibility & Floatation
The chartreuse foam back and white macrame wing provide exceptional visibility in all water conditions. The foam construction ensures the fly never sinks, even after numerous fish or extended fishing sessions.
