Daves Hopper Olive

The *Dave’s Hopper* is a highly realistic terrestrial pattern designed to imitate a grasshopper. It’s especially effective during late summer and early fall when grasshoppers are prevalent along the banks of rivers and streams. *Trout*, particularly large ones, are drawn to this pattern because of its lifelike appearance and enticing movement.

Materials used:
– *Hook: A **2X long dry fly hook* (sizes #8-12), perfect for imitating the large size of a grasshopper.
– *Tail: Short **red deer hair* or synthetic fibers to mimic the natural look of a grasshopper’s tail.
– *Body: **Yellow dubbing* or spun deer hair to create the plump, segmented appearance of a grasshopper’s abdomen.
– *Legs: **Rubber legs* tied on the sides to add lifelike movement in the water.
– *Wing: **Mottled turkey quill* or similar material tied flat over the back to imitate the folded wings of a hopper.
– *Hackle*: Grizzly hackle fibers wrapped under the body to increase buoyancy.
– *Head/Thorax*: Deer hair clipped to form a realistic head, giving the fly a durable and natural look.

The *Dave’s Hopper* is incredibly effective for targeting *brown, rainbow, and brook trout* in grassy banks and open water during late summer when terrestrial insects are abundant. Its realistic profile and lively action make it irresistible to large trout hunting along the water’s edge.