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 Yes, I know that I don't tie this pattern correctly. So I guess, technically it isn't really a Copper John. But, I certainly didn't invent a new fly here so I'm sticking with the name. So, for anyone looking for the true Copper John, this is only close. Hook: I use any heavy nymph hook from size 18 to about 14, sometimes larger or smaller, most likely smaller Head: Gold Bead to match Weight (optional): Fine lead wire Thread: Beige, Tan or Brown, 6/0 Tail: Brown or black goose biots Abdomen: Medium-fine copper (or silver, red, olive, blue...) wire Wing Case: Pearl Mylar Thorax: Peacock herl Wing (legs, really) Partridge So, all I did really, was to simplify the original pattern a little so that I can tie more of 'em and not mess with epoxy. Actually, somewhere floating around the Internet is a pattern for the Copper John that is a lot like this one but with a mallard tail. That happened to be the first pattern I used to tie this fly and I had no clue that it was wrong for several weeks. Wrong or not, the first time I fished it was opening day last April on the Little Truckee. In six casts, I caught a 24", a 22" and an 18" wild brown. And, that fly was even more of a departure from the original than this one. My guess is that it works so well because it b-lines straight to the bottom the instant it hits the water. It's also pretty flashy. I have caught at least 100 fish on it since April. Lately, I have been using Joe's QD Nymph more often because it's a little buggier and, in my highly technical bathtub drop tests appears to be a little heavier, too. That's not always good, granted, but in fast or deep water, I am all for heavy nymphs. I know that the inventor of this fly, John Barr, is big on his multi-fly rig, the famous "Hopper, Copper, Dropper." I don't profess to know a fraction of what he does, but I don't personally like to fish droppers most of the time. I do fish it with an indicator quite a bit (only in moving water though), so when the season opens up again, I am going to make it a point to use a hopper for an indicator instead of an orange disk or fuzzy wad. In any case, this fly hammers 'em all by itself. |
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