Tying the Hedgehog Bibio Hopper: A New Loch-Style Killer

One of our team members, Nick, recently tied a striking new variation of the popular Bibio Hopper, a fly that’s already a staple pattern for loch-style anglers. His take on it adds a few clever touches, including knotted Golden Pheasant tippet legs for a bit of extra movement and a vibrant Fl. Fire Orange head that makes it stand out beautifully in rough water.

This fly,  “Nick’s Hedgehog Bibio Hopper”, is tied with a combination of Glister dubbing, deer belly hair, and a carefully balanced colour mix that works perfectly when the fish are looking up.

How It’s Tied

Here is the step-by-step guide to tying Nick's pattern. Following the instructions with photos or a video makes it much easier.

1. Start by tying in a butt of Veniard Black Peacock Glister dubbing.
2. Take a small bunch of black deer belly hair and tie it in tight against the dubbing.
3. Add another small pinch of Glister dubbing in front of the deer hair.
4. Repeat this process-alternating dubbing and deer hair-until you are about three-quarters of the way up the hook shank.
5. At this point, tie in the knotted Golden Pheasant tippet legs. Create these by knotting 2-3 tippet fibres together using tweezers. Tie in two legs on each side, just in front of the last bunch of black deer hair.
6. Add a small pinch of red or orange Glister dubbing to create a "hot spot."
7. Finish the fly with a final bunch of Fl. Fire Orange deer belly hair at the head.
8. Trim the head: You can trim the butts flat for a clean look, or leave them slightly longer to form a small, buoyant "mini-muddler-style" head.
9. Once complete, use a brush to pick out the Glister fibres for extra movement and sparkle. The fly sits beautifully on the surface thanks to the buoyant deer belly hair, just add a touch of floatant if you need it to stay up longer in big waves.

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Materials

Here are the exact materials Nick used for his Hedgehog Bibio Hopper, with sensible alternatives if you need to substitute.

Hooks

Used

• Kamasan B170 Trout Medium Traditional (Size 12)
• Kamasan B160 Trout Medium Short Shank (Size 10)

Alternatives

• Fulling Mill 31550 All Purpose Medium
• Fulling Mill 31510 Short Shank Special
• Fario Fly FBL302 Ultimate Short Shank Barbless

Thread

Used

• UNI Thread 8/0 Waxed Black

Alternative

• UTC Ultra Thread 70 Denier Black

Body & Hot Spot (Glister)

Used

• Veniard Glister Sparkle Dubbing (Black Peacock for body, and Red or Orange for hot spot)

Alternatives

• Veniard Glister Dubbing Box (mixed colours)
• Spirit River Lite-Brite
• Veniard Peacock Dub

Wing & Head Hair

Used

• Veniard Deer Belly Hair (Black and Fl. Fire Orange)

Trim flat for a clean head, or leave short butts for a small muddler-style head to aid visibility and buoyancy.

Legs

Used

• Golden Pheasant Tippet (Natural)
• Golden Pheasant Tippet (Dyed Hot Orange)

Alternatives

• Golden Pheasant Tippet (Natural Pack)
• Veniard Knotted Cock Pheasant Tail Legs (pre-knotted)
• Lureflash Insect Legs (synthetic)

Nick knots 2-3 GP tippet fibres per leg with tweezers and ties two legs per side. Add a touch of floatant if needed; the deer hair keeps the fly riding high.

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Whether you’re targeting wild brownies on the lochs or stocked rainbows in a breeze, Nick’s Hedgehog Bibio Hopper is a great pattern to have in your fly box. It combines visibility, movement, and a proven Bibio-style profile that consistently tempts fish to the top.

Find all the materials used in this fly-plus plenty of great alternatives-at Fishing Megastore.

What's your favourite hopper variation for rough water, or do you have a 'secret weapon' for when the fish are looking up? Let us know in the comments below!