Fly Tying with Paul Wilson

The Hippy Stomper is not the most friendly name for a fly, but this fly has made a permanent home in my trout fly box.  This fly was created by Andrew Grillos.  Andrew has created quite a few interesting flies, such as the Dancin Ricky and El Camino, the Boilermaker and Buddy Popper, and a fly that looks like a slice a pizza, the Pizza Delivery.  I like to use the Hippy Stomper in the late summer and fall, during low light conditions.  This fly replicates a terrestrial or crippled bug, an October Caddis or Green Drake.  This fly is basically an attractor fly and can be tied in small sizes or large sizes and a variety of color combinations to replicate an array of insects. The underbody of the original Hippy Stomper uses flashabou material.  We will be using peacock herl, re-inforced with extra-small wire, my confidence color of choice.  This fly may look complex, but it is fairly simple to tie.  Intermediate level.  During this fly-tying session, we will emphasize slowing down and building muscle memory, thread control, proportional awareness, how to use tools properly, and most importantly during these in-person tying sessions, getting feedback.

Material List

Hook: Tiemco 3761 (size 10) or equivalent.  I also like the Tiemco 5262.  Heavier wire nymph hooks works well for dry-fly terrestrial patterns because the heavier wire keeps the fly even and flat on the water surface.

Thread: 14/0 or 70D in Red or Black

Tail:  Moose hair or equivalent

Overbody: 1mm Foam in Green and Black.  There will be two layers of 1mm foam for the overbody.  Can use 2mm foam if needed.  I prefer 1mm foam.  

Underbody: Peacock Hearl re-enforced with extra-small copper wire

Wing: McFlylon or Parapost or equivalent in white.  

Hackle: Grizzly dryfly cape

Legs: Fine round barred rubber legs in white/black