Fly fishing is an art, and like any art, it requires not only creativity but also technique and understanding. One of the most effective tools in the fly fisher’s arsenal is the Copper John fly. This nymph pattern, with its weighted body and attractive flash, is a go-to for anglers around the world. But having a Copper John in your fly box is only the beginning. Knowing how to fish it can make all the difference between a good day on the water and a great one. Here are some of the best ways to fish a Copper John fly.
Understanding the Copper John
Before diving into techniques, it’s essential to understand what makes the Copper John so effective. Its inventor, John Barr, designed the fly to sink quickly and resemble the natural nymphs that trout feed on. The copper wire wrapped around the shank not only adds weight but also mimics the segmented body of an aquatic insect. This design makes it versatile and effective in various fishing conditions.
The Right Gear
To fish a Copper John effectively, you need the right gear. A medium-fast to fast action rod will give you the sensitivity to feel the nymph as it bounces along the bottom and the backbone to set the hook firmly. Pair your rod with a floating line and a leader long enough to get your fly down to the bottom in deeper water.
The Dead Drift
The most common and often the most effective way to fish a Copper John is with a dead drift. This technique involves casting the nymph upstream and letting it drift down with the current, mimicking a naturally drifting insect. The key is to maintain a drag-free drift, meaning the fly moves at the same speed as the current. Use subtle mends in your line to prevent drag and keep the fly drifting naturally.
High-Sticking
High-sticking is a technique where you keep most of your fly line off the water, using only the leader to guide the fly. This method gives you greater control over the drift and reduces the chance of drag. It’s particularly effective in fast-moving water where keeping a tight line to the fly is crucial.
The Swing
After your dead drift, allow the Copper John to swing through the current at the end of the drift. This movement can often trigger strikes from fish following the nymph downstream. It’s a simple yet effective way to cover more water and present your fly in a different way.
Dropper Rigs
The Copper John can be fished alone or as part of a multi-fly rig. One popular setup is to use it as a dropper off a dry fly. This allows you to fish two different water columns at once: the surface and the subsurface. The Copper John, being a heavy nymph, also helps to sink the rig, giving the dry fly a more natural float.
Adjusting to Conditions
The Copper John comes in various sizes and colors, and part of fishing it effectively is matching it to the conditions. In clear water, smaller sizes and more natural colors can be more effective. In stained water or when fishing deeper, larger sizes and brighter colors might attract more attention.
Patience and Observation
As with all fly fishing techniques, patience and observation are key. Watch how the trout are feeding and adjust your approach accordingly. Sometimes a slight variation in your drift or a different size Copper John can make all the difference.
The History of the Copper John
The Copper John is a popular and effective fly pattern used in fly fishing. It was created by John Barr in 1996. John Barr, from Boulder, Colorado, is a well-known fly designer who has created several successful patterns, but the Copper John is arguably his most famous.
The Copper John is designed to be a nymph, which is a type of fly that represents the sub-adult form of an aquatic insect. It is meant to sink quickly in the water and is typically used in fast-moving streams where trout are known to feed on nymphs.
The fly’s design incorporates a heavy wire, usually copper, wrapped around the hook shank, which gives it the weight it needs to sink rapidly. The copper wire also serves as a visually attractive element to the fish, mimicking the segmented body of a nymph. The original Copper John used copper wire, but variations now come in a range of colors, including red, green, blue, and black.
The thorax of the Copper John is typically made with peacock herl, which provides a natural iridescence, and the fly is often finished with a wing case made of thin skin or flash material, adding further visual appeal. The legs are made from hen feathers or synthetic materials, which add movement and life to the fly as it drifts in the current.
The Copper John is tied on a curved nymph hook, which gives it a lifelike shape and helps it to hook fish effectively. It is often weighted further with a bead head, which can be made of tungsten to add even more weight.
Since its creation, the Copper John has become a staple in the fly boxes of anglers worldwide and is considered one of the most effective nymph patterns. It’s praised for its versatility and can be fished in a variety of water conditions and used to target multiple species of fish, though it is most commonly used for trout.
The Copper John’s popularity is such that it has spawned numerous variations and has inspired fly tiers to experiment with different materials and colors. Despite the many variations, the key characteristics of the fly remain the same: a heavy, segmented body that sinks quickly and attracts fish with its flash and movement.
The history of the Copper John is a testament to the innovation that fly tiers bring to the sport of fly fishing, constantly adapting and creating new patterns to match the feeding habits of fish in their local waters. The Copper John is not just a fly; it’s a symbol of the creativity and ongoing evolution of fly fishing.
Conclusion
The Copper John is a fly that deserves a place in every angler’s box, not just for its beauty but for its versatility and effectiveness. Whether you’re high-sticking through a fast run or dead drifting under a cut bank, this fly can produce results. Remember, the best way to fish a Copper John is the way that works for you on the day, so don’t be afraid to experiment. With these techniques in your repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the drift and enjoying the dance of the rod and the pull of the line. Happy fishing!
