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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.