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
The Copper John is an intricate fly with several key components that contribute to its effectiveness. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the materials you’ll need:
- Hook: Mustad 2X nymph hook, size 18-10, is preferred. The nymph hook should have a strong, durable shaft to handle the weight of the bead and the fish’s pull.
- Bead: Gold or tungsten beads work well for weight, with tungsten being ideal for deeper water or fast currents. The bead should fit snugly over the hook eye and create a slight curve in the hook shank.
- Thread: Black 6/0 or 8/0 Uni-thread is commonly used. This fine thread ensures you can make tight wraps without adding bulk.
- Tail: Goose biots in brown or black create a natural, soft tail with great movement in the water. Experiment with different colors to match local aquatic life.
- Abdomen: Small copper or colored wire provides the signature ribbed look of the Copper John. This material helps to create the segmented body that attracts fish, and the copper wire adds weight to get the fly down quickly.
- Thorax: Peacock herl is key for creating a realistic, segmented thorax with a slight shine. It’s a perfect material to give the fly an “alive” look in the water.
- Wingspan: Flashabou or Krystal Flash adds a subtle shimmer to the fly, simulating the natural glint of fish scales or an insect’s wings.
- Legs: Partridge feathers are used for the legs, providing movement and creating a more natural look. These soft, flexible materials are a must for giving the fly life in the water.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tying the Copper John Fly
- Slide the bead onto the hook: Place the bead on the hook, ensuring it sits flush against the hook eye. The bead is essential for adding weight to the fly, allowing it to sink quickly.
- Start with the thread: Begin wrapping your thread around the hook shank, making tight, even wraps all the way down to the bend of the hook. This will provide a solid base for your materials.
- Tie in the tail: Secure the goose biots on both sides of the hook shank, making sure they are evenly spaced. These biots should create a forked tail that mimics the natural shape of a mayfly or other nymph.
- Tie in the copper wire: Attach the copper wire near the bend of the hook, and wrap it forward toward the hook eye, leaving space for the thorax. Keep the wraps tight and close together.
- Add the Flashabou: Tie in a small amount of Flashabou or Krystal Flash just behind the bead, securing it with thread. The flash should extend slightly beyond the body of the fly to mimic the subtle shimmer of fish scales.
- Tie in the peacock herl: Attach the peacock herl just behind the Flashabou. Wrap it around the hook to form the thorax, securing it with several tight wraps of thread.
- Position the Flashabou: Pull the Flashabou over the thorax and secure it with thread, making sure the flash extends evenly on both sides.
- Add the legs: Tie in the partridge feathers on both sides of the fly, creating small, delicate legs that will move in the current. Secure them with thread.
- Finish the fly: Make a few tight wraps of thread in front of the legs and behind the bead, then whip finish to secure the fly.
- Apply epoxy: Place a drop of quick-dry epoxy or Soft-Tex on the wing case and allow it to dry. This will help create a durable and shiny finish on the fly.
Fishing the Copper John: Techniques for Success
The Copper John is a highly effective fly in a wide range of conditions, and there are several ways to fish it for optimal results. Here are the best techniques for using the Copper John in different scenarios:
1. Dead Drift Technique
The classic way to fish the Copper John is by using a dead drift technique. Cast the fly upstream and allow it to drift naturally with the current, keeping your line as straight as possible. The Copper John should remain close to the bottom, imitating an insect drifting in the current. This method works particularly well when fish are feeding near the riverbed.
- Tip: Use an indicator to track the fly’s movement. Adjust the depth of the fly by varying your tippet length.
2. Swinging the Fly
After completing the dead drift, let the Copper John swing through the water. This simulates the natural movement of an insect that is struggling to swim or drift downstream. The swing can trigger strikes from fish that are not actively feeding but are still hunting.
- Tip: Make sure to cast across the current, allowing the fly to swing naturally. If you’re fishing in a river with slower currents, you may need to impart a small amount of line tension to encourage the fly to swing properly.
3. Dropper Rig for Surface Feeding Fish
When the water warms up and fish are feeding near or just beneath the surface, you can fish the Copper John as part of a dropper rig. Tie a dry fly to your leader and then attach a tippet with the Copper John 16-20 inches below the dry fly. The dry fly will act as an indicator, and the Copper John will fish just below the surface, where it can attract fish feeding on nymphs.
- Tip: Use a buoyant dry fly such as a Parachute Adams or Elk Hair Caddis. The dry fly will stay afloat and allow the Copper John to sink just below the surface.
4. Double Nymph Rig
For spring fishing or colder waters, fishing a double nymph rig can be deadly. Use the Copper John as your bottom fly, paired with a smaller, lighter nymph above it. This setup allows you to target fish that are feeding on multiple types of insects in the water column.
- Tip: Adjust the depth of the top nymph by varying the tippet length and use an indicator to track the drift.
Seasonal Considerations for Using the Copper John
The Copper John excels in spring and early summer when fish are actively feeding on emerging nymphs. However, it’s also an effective fly year-round, especially in colder water when fish are more likely to feed on bottom-dwelling insects.
- Spring: As water temperatures rise, fish begin to move closer to the surface. The Copper John is perfect for fishing in the bottom to middle of the water column.
- Summer: When fish are feeding on insects in the middle of the water column, the Copper John can be fished just below the surface using the dropper method.
- Winter/Fall: The Copper John is a great choice for nymphing during the colder months when fish are feeding more slowly and are concentrated near the bottom.
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.
