Dry FliesHumpy (generic)
The Humpy (generic) is a dry fly pattern designed by Jadranka Grba. This effective pattern works well in a variety of water conditions and is tied with traditional materials for a proven presentation.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Jadranka Grba's version of this classic attractor features the distinctive humped back created by folding deer hair forward over the body. The buoyant deer hair construction allows the pattern to ride high in turbulent pocket water and riffles. The mixed materials create a busy profile that suggests terrestrials, caddis, and stoneflies, making it a versatile searching pattern for western freestone streams.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 102Y #15
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, olive
Tail: Moose body hair
Abdomen: Tying thread
Hackle: Grizzly, dyed dark dun
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Terrestrial insects and adult caddisflies struggle on the surface with wings and legs creating commotion and ripples. The bulky deer hair body and pronounced wing create high floatation and visibility, suggesting the substantial profile of large terrestrials or caddis in fast, broken water.
Where Trout Eat It: Freestone trout in tumbling pocket water and fast riffles grab this high-floating attractor. Fish hold behind boulders, rising explosively to bushy patterns visible in whitewater turbulence.
How to Fish It: Cast into pocket water and let the fly tumble through choppy currents. The buoyant deer hair hump stays high through turbulence.
Best Water: Focus on freestone pocket water behind boulders and turbulent riffle crests in 2-4 feet.
Strike Type: Trout in fast water attack aggressively with splashy rises; watch for the strike and set firmly when you see the disturbance.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X tippet for delicate presentations. Apply floatant to the body and hackle.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during peak feeding periods at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures between 45-65°F typically produce best results.
Pro Tips: Floats well with proper floatant application. The natural materials provide good visibility without spooking wary fish.
Entomology
Caddisflies exhibit erratic flight patterns above the water before crash-landing on the surface, then flutter and hop in attempts to become airborne again while getting swept downstream. Trout respond to these active surface disturbances because the chaotic movements trigger aggressive feeding responses, and the high-profile silhouettes are easily visible in broken water.
- Order
- Trichoptera
- Common Name
- Caddisfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult