Tying the Bristol Hopper
Related Flies :-
This version of the Bristol Hopper incorporates a ball of CDC which enables the fly to sit high in the water, it also allows the fly to be pulled with a long stroke which in turn causes the fly to submerge and then float again when the pressure is released.
STEP 1 : Run the thread down the hookshank, catching in a length of pearl mylar as you go. Stop the thread at a position opposite the barb.
STEP 2 : Now dub some seals fur onto the thread.
STEP 3 : Wind the seals fur up the hookshank to about 5mm (1/5 inch) from the eye.
STEP 4 : Wind the pearl mylar up the hook shank and tie off near the eye, trim waste.
STEP 5 : The bristol hopper legs are made up of two pheasant tail fibres which a joined by a single knot as shown. Make up three legs as shown.
STEP 6 : Tie in the three pairs of legs where the thread was originally left. Try and get the legs to go in different directions but all below the hook shank. In the picture above, one pair of legs goes to the right, one to the left and the other downward.
STEP 7 : Now batch in one or two CDC feathers by the stem.
Step 8 : Now catch in a cock hackle.
Step 9 : Wind the hackle a few times and tie off with thread. (When winding keep an eye on the leg positions, the winding tends to pull the legs upwards). Trim any waste.
Step 10: Take the CDC feather and pull it backward and then loop it forward and secure down with thread, this should create a type of puff ball effect. Trim the waste CDC feather.
Final : Build a neat head, whip finish and varnish.
