"The popularity of the Copper John is not due simply to its good looks but rather its uncanny ability to catch fish. Like other legendary fly patterns this nymph has a few key features that make it appetizing to fish. The large gold bead, slim profile, flash and breathing hackle are just a few of these features; but the real strength for this fly comes from its weight. The compact design and special materials used in construction allow this fly to sink quickly to the level of the fish. The extensive copper body is what adds the significant weight to the fly helping it rapidly descend to where the big fish lay. This unique style of weighting a fly also allows the fly to roll across the river bottom in a natural fashion as compared to a fly weighted down with a split shot attached to the leader.
The Copper John overall is a relatively good imitation for many types of mayfly nymphs, but in general the Copper John can imitate just about any of the aquatic insects you will come across if tied with the appropriate color of wire."
Excerpts of Jason Akl's article about the Copper John was taken from the American Fly Fishing Companies web site http://www.americanflyfishing.com/retail/common/tieit /pattern.asp?store_id=212&id=91
This is the fly of choice when the Eucumbene River is up and "pumping."
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| Copper John |
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| Blue Copper John |
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| Red Copper John |
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| Soft Hackles Copper John |