Bionic Hopper
Lance - May 2024
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. 🙌
- 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
