Nymph / Pattern notes

Copper John

A dense wire abdomen, bead, and reflective wingcase make a useful sinking searching nymph.

From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

Tail and taper
Fit the bead; cover the hook with thread. Tie two splayed biots at the bend and build a smooth tapered underbody.
Wind the abdomen
Tie in copper wire and wind touching turns over the rear two-thirds. Secure and remove excess.
Dress the thorax
Attach Flashabou and Thin Skin facing back. Wind peacock herl behind the bead; set hen fibers on each side.
Close the wingcase
Pull Thin Skin forward, then Flashabou over it. Secure, trim, and whip finish. Coat the wingcase with resin and cure fully.

Beyond the bench

Dead-drift in a nymph rig or below a sufficiently buoyant dry. Adjust weight and depth to the current.

Tied by independent makers

No tyers have listed this pattern yet. Request a custom version, or add your own fly to the library.

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.