Raijin Bead Head Soft Hackle Nymph

The Copper John Nymph pattern was developed by world renowned fly tier John Barr in the 1990's.  It is a popular pattern to imitate both Mayflies, and Stoneflies.  It can be tied in a variety of sizes to match these differing insects.  It was designed to be a heavy weighted fly that got down deep and fast as a dropper fly.  With tungsten beads being vastly more available now, you are really able to get more weight to get deeper quickly.  Add to that the vast colors of tying wire, and colored tungsten and brass beads your color combinations are endless and only limited by your own imagination. We love seeing how our creative mind works, and what the fish think of it.  With this in mind Brandon Moon at Moonlit Fly Fishing and Leland Fly Fishing has developed the Raijin Bead Head Soft Hackle Nymph based off this effective pattern.  This pattern pays respect to John Barr and adds it's own distinct adaptation.

We like always have taken this effective pattern and made it our own.  We love tying it in a two color wire wrap, we've found this is easier to get good tight wraps with.  We have combined the effectiveness of this pattern with a soft hackle to create an amazingly beautiful, and effective pattern to both fish and tie.  The rewards in tying this pattern come both from looking at your finished fly, creativity, and catching fish.  We look forward to seeing all the amazing Copper John Variations that you come up with.  Please share them with us on our Social Media Pages, either IG or FB.

Materials List:

Thread:Semperfli Classic Waxed Pale Olive 12/0

Hook: Moonlit Premium Togatta ML501 sz12-16 

Bead: Moonlit Slotted Tungsten Pale Olive/Apple 3.0mm

Tail: Olive Goose Biot/Vicuna Green Peter Dubbing (Moonlit Pine Squirrel Dubbing Olive Substitute)

Body: Semperfli Tying Wire .2mm Vivid Green/ Chartreuse 

Thorax: Vicuna Dubbing Green Peter

Legs: Olive Goose Biot

Hackle: Clearwater JV Hen (Substitute Moonlit Fly Fishing India Hen Back Saddle Medium Ginger)