Dry FliesMorrish Hopper

The Morrish Hopper is a high-floating, realistic hopper pattern that was created by Ken Morrish. It's a summer staple and a great fly to have when trout are looking up and feeding on terrestrials.

Season
Summer
Difficulty
Advanced
Target Species
Trout
Morrish Hopper - Image source: Trident Fly Fishing
Image source: Trident Fly Fishing

Overview

This high-floating foam hopper has a sculpted two-tone foam body, knotted rubber legs, and a poly or deer hair wing. Durable, buoyant, and visible, it's a summer go-to for hopper-dropper rigs and windy afternoons.

Pattern Characteristics

Advanced Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Summer
Imitates: Grasshoppers

Materials

Hook: TMC 5262 Nymph & Streamer Hook - 8
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier - Tan
Body: Fly Tying Foam - 6mm - Tan
Indicator: Fly Tying Foam - 2mm - Orange
Indicator (Alternate): Rainy's Cross-Link Sheet Foam - 2mm - Orange
Leg 1: Tarantu-Leggs - Dark Tan Black Barred
Legs 1 (Alternate): Speckled Centipede Legs - Medium - Speckled Clear Tan
Legs 2: Wapsi Round Rubber Legs - Medium - Mud Brown
Tool: Morrish Hopper Foam Body Cutter Set - Large Set (6 & 8)
Tool: Morrish Hopper Foam Body Cutter - 8
Glue: Fly Tyer's Z-Ment

Fishing Tips

Season

Summer

Presentation

Cast near the banks and let it drift

When to Use

During hot, summer days when hoppers are abundant

Water Type

Ideal for moving water

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a single fly or as an indicator in a hopper-dropper setup

Visibility & Floatation

This fly floats high and is easily visible due to its foam body and indicator