FlyFysher
Dave’s Hopper
A classic grasshopper with knotted legs, a turkey wing, and a sculpted deer-hair head.
- At the vise
- Advanced
- Common sizes
- #4–12
At the vise.
Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.
Tail and body
Tie a short red tail at the bend. Bind its butts along the shank; attach yarn and hackle at the rear.
Wrap abdomen
Wind yarn over the rear two-thirds. Palmer the hackle forward, tie off, and clip the fibers short.
Wing and legs
Tie a rounded turkey-quill wing over the abdomen. Add a knotted pheasant-fiber leg on each side, with knees below the wing.
Collar
Stack deer hair and tie it ahead of the wing, with tips forming a rearward collar.
Head
Spin and pack deer-hair bunches to the eye. Whip finish, then trim a broad head with a flat underside; preserve the collar.
On the water.
Drift beside grassy banks. An occasional small twitch can suggest a struggling hopper.
Find your Dave’s Hopper.
Have this pattern tied for your water.
No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.
Recipe references
Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.
Portrait reference
Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.
