Dry FliesJoe's Hopper
Joe's Hopper is a classic terrestrial pattern that has been fooling fish for years. Its foam body gives it excellent buoyancy, and the rubber legs provide a lifelike action on the water.
Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Joe's Hopper is a classic, high-floating grasshopper imitation that uses natural materials to create a realistic silhouette and excellent buoyancy. It's tied with a spun and clipped deer hair head, yellow wool body, brown hackle, and a mottled turkey wing. The split deer hair legs complete the terrestrial profile. While a bit more involved to tie than foam hoppers, it's a timeless pattern that performs well in riffles and runs where hoppers might fall into the water. Great for summer fishing when terrestrials are active.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100, size #8–#14
Thread: Brown UTC 140
Body: Yellow 2mm foam
Underbody: Peacock Herl
Wing: Elk or Deer Hair
Legs: Medium round rubber legs, barred yellow
Fishing Tips
Season
Summer
Presentation
Float this fly high on the water, making it look like a grasshopper that has fallen in and is struggling to get out.
When to Use
Use during a hopper hatch, typically in the late summer when grasshoppers are abundant.
Water Type
Can be used in both still and moving water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish this fly on a 9-foot leader with a 5X tippet.
Visibility & Floatation
This fly is highly visible due to its size and the foam body. The foam also helps it to float high on the water, making it look like a struggling grasshopper.
