Schroeders Parachute Hopper

Here is the fly pattern sheet for Schroeders Parachute Hopper.

Top View

Bottom view

Here is a pheasant tail with legs prepared on one side.

Directions

1. Start thread on hook and cover about half of hook shank. This will create area where post is tied in to prevent slipping around hook shank.
2. Position thread at 1/4 mark and tie in post material. Length of post should be about 1/2 of hook shank. Tie with tips forward and firmly tie in post material. Cut butt ends at angle to taper with body. Pull material upright and place several thread wraps in front of post, forcing it upright with thread dam. Wrap thread up post and downward to create base for parachute hackle.
3. Wrap thread back to barb of hook and tie in rib material.
4. Begin dubbed body, creating nice thick tapered body to point about 2 hooks eyes away from post. This will allow room to tie in wing and legs.
5. Wrap rib material forward using 5 – 7 wraps. Tie off and trim excess rib material.
6. Tie in wing so end is just past hook, slightly folded around body.
7. Tie in legs on each side of body. Knotted legs should extend to point where body ends. Tie in so knotted legs are higher than wing.
8. Tie in hackle and wrap thread up post to prepare for parachute wrapping.
9. Dub thorax area.
10. Wind hackle using 5 – 6 wraps and tie off. Trim hackle.
11. Whip finish.
12. For extra strength, place a drop or two of head cement where post and hackle meet.

Preparing wing – cut about 20 turkey fibers off tail and coat with Flex-cement, head cement or super glue. Cut off tips and round end to create hopper wing.

Preparing legs – cut 8 – 12 pheasant tail fibers off tail. Use simple overhand knot to create legs. Coat tips of legs with head cement or super glue.

Optional – instead of using turkey for wing, find synthetic wing material.

Check out my Throw Back Thursday Flies post about the Schroeders Parachute Hopper for a little history of the fly pattern.