Best Hopper Fly Patterns
Morrish Hopper
This has become our Missoula fly shop go to hopper, and for good reason. There is no more realistic looking hopper when viewed from below. Not the most durable of flies, if it’s a favorite, carry a brush on bottle of Zap-A-Gap with you for onstream repair. Be ready to carry these in a wide variety of colors- the trout will take pink or purple as readily as they take Tan or Yellow.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 3XL Curved Shank Hook Size 6-12
- Thread: To Match Body Color
- Body: 1mm Foam under 2mm Foam, glued together and cut to shape (River Road Cutters make this job a snap)
- Legs: To match Foam Color
Pavs Yellowstone Hopper
This low floating hopper has enough floatation to hold a sizable dropper, while the furry Foam gives the fly a unique action in the water. This low floating fly has a white wing to make it stand out on the water, though if you’re tying your own, it’s nice to use tan or mixed tan and brown for the wing. More difficult to see, but a more naturally colored silhouette.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 3XL Size 6-10
- Thread: To Match Foam Color
- Body: 2mm Foam Glued to 2mm Foam, Furry Foam along the bottom, cut to shape
- Wing: White Widows Web
- Legs: Barred Sexi-Floss to match Body Colors
- Indicator: 1mm Orange Foam
- Eyes: Plastic Stick On Eyes, sized to fly
Tan Henneberry Hopper
The Henneberry Hopper has become a fishing guide favorite due to it’s realistic silhouette and strong floating characteristics. The legs are annoying to build, but they never wrap or tangle, which is very nice. The bodies provide excellent realism. We carry the Henneberry Hopper in 3 colors in our Missoula Fly Shop.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 2XL Hook Size 8-10
- Body: Frosty Fly Tan Hopper Body
- Thread: Tan 6/0 danville FlyMaster (70D)
- Wing: Tan Widow’s Web
- Rear Legs: One Pair of Two Micro Black Barred Red Rubber Legs pulled through Red Micro Tubing, knotted
- Front Legs: One Pair of Two Micro Black Barred Tan Round Rubber Legs pulled through Clear Micro Tubing
- Indicator: 2mm Orange Foam
Parachute Hopper
This is one of the most popular hoppers across the country, and may still yet be Umpqua’s best selling fly. The low floating parachute design puts the fly where the trout want it, while the realistic legs brings the fish to the surface! It’s easy to see, and doesn’t use a lot of exotic materials. Simple to see why this fly is so popular.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 3XL Size 6-14
- Thread: Tan 70D Danville Flymaster
- Wing Post: White Calf Tail
- Rib: Brown Floss
- Abdomen: Tan Sparkle Yarn.
- Wing: Natural Ozark Turkey, coated with Flex-A-Ment
- Legs: Knotted Pheasant Tail Fibers
- Thorax: Tan Dubbing
- Hackle: Grizzly
Goulds Pink Lady Hopper
This Pattern is often looked passed in our bins but is one of the most effective summer Hopper patterns that we fish in Missoula. High floating and holds a dropper well.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 3XL Hook Size 8-12
- Thread: Red 6/0 Uni Thread (136D)
- Hackle: Brown
- Body: Pink Foam, Wrapped
- Under Body: 2mm Pink Foam, cut to shape
- Overbody: 3mm Brown Foam cut to shape an glued along the top of the abdomen
- Wing: Elk Body Hair
- Indicator: 2mm Yellow Foam
- Rear Legs: Small Black Barred Tan Sexi Floss, knotted
- Front Legs: Small Black Barred Tan Sexi Floss
Missoula Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Come enjoy a day on the river with Missoula’s best fly fishing guides. We float the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River and the Clark Fork River. All gear, lunch and transportation provided.
