Copper John and Wire Nymphs

The Copper John

This is one of the most effective patterns out there today. The original Copper John was designed to sink
fast and act as a point fly as part of the Hopper, Copper, Dropper rig. In the fast moving waters that we have
here in the Rocky Mountains, the ability of this fly to go down to the fishes level quickly is very useful.
The fly itself gives the impression of either a small stonefly or a mayfly nymph, accounting for its success.

Variations on the pattern generally consist of changing the color of the wire body from the original copper into
green, blue, brown, or any other color that you can think of. My favorite variation is changing the hook as described below.

Wire Nymphs

The general idea and method of construction is similar for wire nymphs. Here are some of my favorite patterns

Tie the fly on a curved, rather than straight hook. The curved hook gives the impression of life, and many of the naturals
curl up when in the drift. A curved copper body for example, can be used it imitate the swimming BWO nymph.

My all time favorite variation is the chartreuse colored body on a curved hook. When observing uncased caddis flies, they assume some sort of curled position
when dislodged from their shelters. The curved chartreuse imitates this behavior well, and I have lots of success with this fly.

A curved blue variation in a smaller size works well in the spring and fall, imitating small BWO’s that are hatching this time of year.
Trout key in on blue color.

Imitates:
BWO, PMD, Other mayflies, Small Stoneflies!
Favorite Sizes
Copper - Size 12 - 20
Chartreuse - Size 12 - 16
Blue - Size 18 - 20

Curved hook, Blue body. It is a fish catching machine