Trouts Fly Fishing

Drowned Hopper | by Rick Takahashi

With the experts predicting an “epic” grasshopper hatch during the 2010 summer, it seemed appropriate to feature this chewy morsel for this week’s Chewy Fly.  The Drowned Hopper is the brain child of well known tier Rick Takahashi.  While most anglers only think of fishing hoppers on the surface, the reality is that many trout key in on any type of terrestrial pattern that is below the surface.  Think about it, a drowned hopper is easier for a fish to target, and it’s high in protein and other nutrients that the fish needs to survive.  Seems like a win win to me.

Amy’s Ant

Hook: 3 XL (Mustad 9672), #4-8
Thread: Brown 3/0
Underbody: Tan foam, ¼’ wide strip
Overbody: Brown foam, wider strip than underbody
Rear legs: Brown rubber
Body hackle: Brown, undersized
Body: Olive Krystal Chenille
Wing: Light elk hair over small clump of pearl Krystal Flash
Thorax: Arizona peacock dubbing
Wingcase: Overbody foam pulled back and tied down
Legs: Brown rubber

Well, rarely does a fly come along that absolutely CRUSHES fish.  I’m not sure what it is about Amy’s Ant, but fish just can’t seem to stay away.  It’s like the robo duck of trout fishing.  So be sure to tie some of these up for your next fishing venture, as I’m sure you won’t be dissapointed.

McKee’s Rubber Legs

• Hook: TMC 200R sz. 8-14
• Thread:6/0 Uni Thread (any color)
• Weight:  Lead wrapped underbody
• Antenna:  Barred Silly Legs
• Body: Solid or Variagated Chennile
• Legs: Barred Silly Legs
• Tail: Barred Silly Legs

Although it looks absurdly simple and basic, this fly is one of the most effective stonefly patterns around.  Although the above picture represents a good pattern for Salmonflies, this fly can be tied using a variety of different colored bodies and legs to match the bugs found on your local water.  Because it is such a simple tie, this is a must for anybody looking to start tying their own flies.

Trout’s Chewy Flies - 20 Incher

Hook: TMC 200R #4-12

Thread: Black 3/0 – 6/0 depending on size of hook

Tail: Dark Brown Goose Biots

Rib: Two Strands Tan Rayon Floss

Body: Any Dark Colored Dubbing

Abdomen: Peacock Herl

Wingcase: Turkey Tail Quill Slip

Legs: Hungarian Partridge

Thorax: Natural Hare’s Mask Dubbing

I have had more success with this fly then anyother.  It nice and heavy to ensure it gets down, and it looks buggier then anything else I have found.  The best part is that is works for a variety of stonefly species.

Trout’s Chewy Flies - Garcia’s Tungsten Rojo Emerger

Hook: #18-22 Curved nymph, Daiichi 1270

Thread: 8/0 Uni Thread in Black, Red, Tan, White, etc

Body: Thread

Ribbing: Fine copper wire

Thorax: Adams gray Wapsi Superfine

Wing: Oral B dental floss

Bead: Ruby (silver lined) glass bead, x-small to small & small black tungsten bead

Head: Peacock Herl

Weather fishing tailwaters for smart and wary trout, or bigger freestone rivers, the Rojo Emerger has always been a great producing fly.  Now with the added tungsten bead, this fly make a fantastic dropper fly behind a small caddis or mayfly.  Be sure to have this in a variety of colors, as certain shades definitely work better at certain times of year.