Tying a Nobby Hopper (Variant) with Davie McPhail

Today we looking at a Variant to the Nobby Hopper. The Nobby Hopper was originally conceived in Tasmania by an Angler named Alan Shephard. This pattern shares some similarities to that of the Muddler Minnow, with its large, bulbous head made from Deer hair. Davie's Variant to the Nobby Hopper is that his pattern incorporates a foam, segmented body made of Foam, this creates a more buoyant profile. The other difference between this and the original is that Davie is using Knotted Pheasant Tail Fibres for the legs, whereas Alan used a natural red Hackle. A great Dry fly pattern to be used throughout the season.

All of the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre as listed below, but as always, if you need any help finding materials or substitutes then we'll be happy to help. Time to tie a Nobby Hopper, with the guidance of Davie McPhail. 




Materials Used:

Hook: Fulling Mill Short Shank Special size 10 Thread: Uni-8/0 Yellow Body: Wapsi HD Yellow Foam Legs: Dyed Red Pre-Knotted Pheasant Tail Fibres Under-Wing: Golden Pheasant Tippet Wing: Oak Turkey Head: Roe Deer Hair or Similar

Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of Varnish, which he applied to the head after completing the fly.

Davie's preferred type of whip finish tool can be found HERE!