Marshall Porterfield’s Copper Prince combines a copper-wire abdomen and peacock thorax with the white biot wings of a Prince Nymph.
The source index calls a photograph “Copper John Prince Nymph” but supplies no recipe. This page teaches Marshall Porterfield’s independently documented Copper Prince, which combines Copper John and Prince Nymph features. The source photograph is not verified as Porterfield’s dressing.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Seat the bead
Slide a gold bead onto the nymph hook and hold the hook in the vise. Start black 8/0 thread behind the bead.
02
Set the biot tail
Carry the thread to the bend. Tie in two brown goose biots with their tips splayed behind the hook.
03
Anchor the copper wire
Secure copper wire at the tail base and bind it along the abdomen area to leave a smooth, even underbody.
04
Build the wire abdomen
Wind the copper wire forward in close turns to about two-thirds of the shank. Tie it off securely and trim the end.
05
Form the peacock thorax
Tie in peacock herl, wrap a full thorax between the wire body and the bead, and secure the herl.
06
Tie the white wings
Set one white goose biot on each side of the top of the thorax, with tips angled rearward in the Prince Nymph style. Bind the butts down behind the bead.
07
Finish the head
Make a small black thread collar behind the bead, whip finish, and clear the hook eye.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Drift the beadhead nymph close to the bottom as a searching fly. Adjust the rig to reach the feeding depth without changing the documented dressing.