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The copper John really does not mimic many species of aquatic bugs. In fact, it doesn't really resemble any of them. I guess one could say it somewhat looks like a dragonfly nymph, maybe even a stonefly. But that is a very abstract representation. However, even though its not an identical representation of any specific food that trout or other fish target in a river or lake, that doesn't mean it won't catch fish. In fact, despite it looking like no organic life, it catches fish very well, in fact sometimes better than hyper realistic flies. Part of this could be due to the curiosity of trout, sunfish, or bass, but another part could be to how this thing fishes. It is very heavy, and possibly catches more fish because it can get down quicker to where the fish are. Another reason is that it is very visible in the water, with its bright copper abdomen, and flash back thorax. Especially helpful when fishing stained water. No matter the reason of why this fly is effective though, because it just is. That being said, it is not the easiest fly in the world to tie, but once you get the hang of it, they can be tied rather easily and quickly. And no one can argue the fact that it is fun to tie.

The Copper John is a very heavy fly that is great for getting down deep to the fish. I use this as my first fly in a tandem rig often to get my small midge down deep. Its very flashy and will get the trouts attention. It doesn't mimic any bug in particular, but is suggestive of many bug profiles. While there are many materials used in tying this fly, its really not too difficult to tie. Hook: Umpqua U103 size 12 Thread: Black 8/0 sized thread Tail: Brown Goose Biots Weight: .015 size lead wire, and a bead head Dubbing: Super Dry Dubbing Abdomen: Brassie sized copper wire Wing Case: Palmered peacock hurl, thin skin, and saltwater sized flashabou Legs: Hen hackle feather Epoxy: Solarez "Thick Hard" UV curing resin Music: Sunny, funnysong, happiness - Bensound.com

Here is a tutorial of the Copper John I just completed. Thank you, Enjoy! http://www.fishbaitsflybox.com/2015/01/john-barrs-copper-john.html

The Hot Wire Prince Nymph is an effective pattern, primarily because some of its best characteristics are a combination of those found in the Prince and Copper John nymphs. There are some base characteristics of the Prince Nymph, with the added Ultra Wire giving this pattern weight and color. There are many color combinations that can be used for the body, thus don't be afraid to try some others and see how they work in your area. Feel free to share those combinations in the comments below or on the YouTube page. Thanks! TC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D4Cmd9V-Jo

Decided to start gearing up for spring with some brown trout streamers. Also through in a Detroit Red Wings color themed copper john! Finn Raccoon Hog Snare Hog Snare meet Sasquatch. Sasquatch meet Hog Snare. Copper John