Project Hopper Version 2.0

Simple, Precise, Realistic.

This one is pretty exciting to me because it's been a long time coming through tweaking and development.  I was talking about this the other day with my son, and he reminded me that he has the original Project Hopper version 1 with rubber back legs and everything.  He wouldn't give that back to me for $100 right now because he thinks he's pretty cool...  Anyway, I digress.  The Project Hopper has been tied in lots and lots of configurations over the past few years that I have been playing with it, and this version is perhaps the most time effective at the vise.  With the help of my good friend Clint Vought (who is basically a bearded mini squatch with insane drafting skills) I was able to direct the design of a perfectly scaled cutter set from River Road Creations for a size 6-10.  The cutters make this pattern quite a bit easier to tie, and you can even use these cutters for more than just this fly.  I also started using it for the Slum Hopper with great success.  Anyway, watch the video to see how to start with a block of foam, and end up with a very realistic and useful hopper pattern!

~ Cheech

Keep in mind that you can use a variety of foam and hooks for this pattern.  The only really strong suggestion on this one is to use 6mm cross link foam for the body, and 1mm cross link foam for the pronotum.  It will make your life easier when it comes to making the foam sit how it should without flaring too much.  The Daiichi 1710 and TMC 5262 are also great options for hooks one this one.  Also play with different colors of Trigger Point fibers on this one.  I really like western caddis gray, march brown, white, and pale morning dun.