Euro NymphsSoft Hackle Jig John
A soft hackle variation of the classic Copper John in jig format. The partridge soft hackle adds natural movement and breathing action while maintaining the proven copper body and peacock thorax that made the original famous. The jig hook design ensures proper orientation and reduces snags in rocky water.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Developed by Fly Fish Food as a modern twist on John Barr's Copper John, this variation combines euro nymphing jig hook advantages with the soft hackle style popularized by competition anglers. The partridge collar provides more movement than standard materials while the copper ribbing adds flash and durability. Can be tied in multiple colors to match different water conditions, with red thread showing through for added attraction.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless, size #14
Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten, copper, 7/64" (2.8mm)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, red
Tail: Goose biots, brown
Body: Pheasant tail fibers
Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire, copper, small
Thorax: Peacock herl
Soft Hackle: Partridge feather
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in freestone streams and tailwaters. Particularly productive during spring and fall when mayflies and stoneflies are most active. Works well in winter when fish are holding deep in slow pools and runs.
Presentation
Dead drift through riffles, runs, and pocket water using euro nymphing techniques. The jig hook rides point-up, reducing snags while maintaining excellent hook-up ratios. Short line nymphing allows for direct contact and immediate strike detection. The soft hackle adds movement on the drift and during swing at the end of each pass.
When to Use
Best during subsurface feeding periods when trout are targeting nymphs in the drift. Effective in overcast conditions or when fish are holding deep. The copper color works well in slightly stained water, while the soft hackle triggers strikes when fish are less aggressive. Excellent searching pattern when no hatch is evident.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including freestone streams, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Most productive in pocket water, runs, and deeper riffles where trout hold in feeding lanes. The tungsten bead gets the fly down quickly in fast currents. Works well in boulder fields and rocky substrate where the jig hook prevents snagging.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet in euro nymphing setup. Use as point fly with lighter nymph as dropper 12-18 inches above. The tungsten bead provides sufficient weight for most situations without additional split shot. In faster or deeper water, add weight to sighter section rather than leader for better drift control.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly with the copper tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet efficiently. The slim body cuts through current with minimal resistance. The soft hackle pulses naturally in the current, creating lifelike movement that triggers strikes. Copper coloring provides subtle flash that attracts trout without spooking them in clear water.
