Ispent several summers testing various grasshopper imitations in search of fly design traits that influence catch rate. What I found were some design attributes that consistently pique the interest of Trout.The Bionic hopper employs 3 triggers that I believe set it apart from other imitations: The Bionic Hopper1- uses a cylinder foam body to better match the silhouette of a grasshoppers abdomen.2- utilizes long, wiggly legs, that sit well away from the body of the fly providing silhouette and movement.3- is designed to sit lower in the water to more accurately imitate the impression a hopper leaves when resting in/on the surface.What this pattern lacks in “bin appeal” (it’s admittedly not as neat looking as many modern hopper imitations) it makes up for when fishing the Bionic Hopper as it is a fish favorite.The Bionic Hopper floats well, is easy to see, and combines these trigger traits to help you get more hopper eats. 🙌
Material List
Hook: TMC 100 Dry Fly Hook - 10 - 25 Pack
Hook (Alternate): Gamakatsu S10 Executive Series Dry Fly Hook - 10
Thread: Danville 140 Denier Waxed Flymaster Plus Thread - Beige
Thread (Alternate): Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread - 6/0 - Tan
Tail/tag: Krystal Flash - Fl. Orange
Tail/tag (Alternate): Krystal Flash - UV Orange
Abdomen: Foam Cylinders - 3/16" - Tan
Abdomen (Alternate): Fly Foam Blocks - Tan
Abdomen (Alternate Cutter): Gunville Foam Booby & Body Cutter Set
Foam Wing : Fly Tying Foam - 2mm - Brown
Foam Wing (Alternate): Rainy's Cross-Link Sheet Foam - 2 mm - Insect Brown
Wing 1: EP Trigger Point Int'l Fibers - White
Wing 1 (Alternate): Para Post Wing Material - White
Back Legs: Barred Sexi Floss - Medium - Tan
Back Legs (Alternate): Barred Sexi Floss - Medium - Amber
Wing 2: EP Trigger Point Int'l Fibers - White
Wing 2 (Alternate): Para Post Wing Material - White
Front Legs: UNI Flexx - Camel
Front Legs (Alternate): Life-Flex Spandex Material - Ginger
Materials & Alternate Materials Listed Below
