The Copper John Fly: A Classic Nymph for All Seasons
The Copper John is one of the most iconic nymph patterns in the fly-fishing world. Known for its durability, versatility, and effectiveness, this fly is a go-to choice for many anglers targeting a variety of species, particularly trout. Whether you’re fishing freestone rivers or spring creeks, the Copper John can be a deadly fly when fished correctly. This detailed guide will walk you through the materials, the tying process, and provide valuable tips on how to fish it effectively.
Materials Breakdown for the Copper John Fly
To begin tying the Copper John, select a Mustad 2X nymph hook (sizes 18-10). This hook is essential for holding the weight of the bead and for withstanding the pull of a fish. Next, add a bead to the hook. Gold or tungsten beads are commonly used, with tungsten being ideal for fishing in deeper waters or fast currents due to its weight. Ensure the bead fits tightly over the hook eye, creating a slight curve in the hook shank.
For the thread, use a fine black 6/0 or 8/0 Uni-thread. This will allow you to make tight, precise wraps without adding unnecessary bulk. Once your thread is secured, move on to the tail. Use goose biots in brown or black to create a soft, natural-looking tail that moves well in the water. You can experiment with different colors to better match local aquatic life.
Now, for the abdomen, take small copper or colored wire to create the fly’s signature ribbed look. This wire also adds weight, helping the fly sink quickly. The copper wire is especially effective for this, adding both attractiveness and functionality to the fly. After securing the wire, move to the thorax by using peacock herl. This material adds realism to the fly, creating a segmented look with a slight shine that mimics an insect’s thorax.
For the wingspan, incorporate Flashabou or Krystal Flash to add a subtle shimmer that simulates the glint of fish scales or an insect’s wings. Finally, finish the fly by adding partridge feathers for the legs. These feathers move naturally in the water, creating life-like motion that will attract fish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tying the Copper John Fly
Start by sliding the bead onto the hook, ensuring it sits flush against the hook eye. This bead adds weight to the fly, allowing it to sink quickly. Next, begin wrapping your thread around the hook shank, making tight, even wraps all the way down to the bend of the hook. This creates a solid base for the materials you’ll be adding.
Once the base is ready, tie in the tail by securing the goose biots on both sides of the hook shank. Space them evenly to create a forked tail that mimics the natural shape of a mayfly or nymph. This will give the fly a realistic, lifelike appearance. Then, tie in the copper wire near the bend of the hook, and wrap it forward toward the hook eye, leaving room for the thorax. Keep the wraps tight and close together to maintain a smooth, segmented body.
With the body in place, add the Flashabou or Krystal Flash just behind the bead, securing it with thread. The flash should extend slightly beyond the fly’s body to mimic the shimmer of fish scales. After that, tie in the peacock herl just behind the flash and wrap it around the hook to form the thorax. Secure the herl with several tight wraps of thread, ensuring it stays in place.
Next, pull the Flashabou over the thorax and secure it with thread, making sure the flash extends evenly on both sides. Then, add the legs by tying in the partridge feathers on both sides of the fly. These delicate feathers will move naturally in the current, adding realism. Secure them with thread.
Finally, finish the fly by making a few tight wraps of thread in front of the legs and behind the bead. Whip finish to secure the fly. For added durability and a shiny finish, apply a drop of quick-dry epoxy or Soft-Tex to the wing case and let it dry.
Fishing the Copper John: Techniques for Success
The Copper John is a versatile and highly effective fly that works well in a variety of fishing conditions. One of the most classic ways to fish it is by using the dead drift technique. Cast the fly upstream and let it drift naturally with the current, keeping your line as straight as possible. The Copper John should remain close to the riverbed, mimicking an insect drifting in the current. This method is especially effective when fish are feeding near the bottom. To track the fly’s movement, use an indicator and adjust the depth by varying the length of your tippet.
Once you’ve completed the dead drift, you can let the Copper John swing through the water. This mimics the natural movement of an insect struggling to swim or drift downstream. The swing can trigger strikes from fish that aren’t actively feeding but are still hunting for prey. To do this effectively, cast across the current and let the fly swing naturally. If you’re fishing in slower currents, you might need to apply a small amount of line tension to encourage the fly to swing properly.
Another effective technique is using the Copper John as part of a dropper rig when fish are feeding near or just below the surface. Tie a dry fly to your leader, then attach a tippet with the Copper John about 16-20 inches below it. The dry fly will act as an indicator, and the Copper John will fish just beneath the surface, where it can attract fish feeding on nymphs. A buoyant dry fly, like a Parachute Adams or Elk Hair Caddis, will keep the dry fly afloat while the Copper John sinks just below the surface.
For colder waters or spring fishing, the double nymph rig is a deadly setup. Use the Copper John as your bottom fly and pair it with a smaller, lighter nymph above it. This rig targets fish that are feeding on different types of insects in the water column. Adjust the depth of the top nymph by varying the tippet length, and use an indicator to track the drift and ensure you’re staying in the strike zone.
Seasonal Considerations for Using the Copper John
The Copper John is a versatile fly that performs well throughout the year, but its effectiveness is particularly notable during specific seasons. In the spring and early summer, when fish are actively feeding on emerging nymphs, it shines as a go-to fly. During this time, fish are often found in the bottom to middle of the water column, making the Copper John a perfect match.
In the summer, when fish tend to feed in the middle of the water column, you can use the dropper method to fish the Copper John just below the surface. In the colder months of winter and fall, the Copper John remains highly effective for nymphing, as fish feed more slowly and are typically concentrated near the bottom, making it an ideal choice for targeting these bottom-dwelling insects.
Why the Copper John Should Be in Every Fly Box
The Copper John is an essential pattern in every fly fisher’s arsenal. Whether you’re fishing in clear, fast-moving rivers or still, deeper lakes, the Copper John can be adapted to a variety of situations. Its realistic design, with a weighty bead, shimmering flash, and segmented body, makes it an irresistible option for fish looking for a meal. With a variety of fishing techniques and seasonal adaptations, the Copper John is a fly that can be relied upon year-round.
About the Author
Brad Berlin is an experienced fly fisher and fly tyer with over 20 years of experience fishing local streams and rivers, particularly in the Northeast and central Pennsylvania. He guides anglers on the Susquehanna River and other area streams, teaching fly-tying and casting techniques. Brad also enjoys fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario in the fall.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
