nymph
Copper John
The Copper John is a heavy, flashy attractor nymph that sinks like a rock and catches fish like a dream. Its copper wire body, epoxy-coated wing case, and biots tail create a durable, attention-grabbing profile that excels in fast water. It is one of the most popular commercial fly patterns ever created.
Originated by John Barr, Colorado, early 1990s
Recipe
- HookNymph hook (TMC 5262) · Tiemco
- BeadTungsten bead 3.3mm Gold
- ThreadBlack tying thread 8/0 or 70 denier · Semperfli
- TailBrown goose biots
- BodyCopper wire, medium · UTC
- WingcasePeacock herl over pearl Flashabou, epoxy over
- BodyPeacock dubbing (thorax) · Hareline
- LegsHen back fibers
History
John Barr developed the Copper John in Colorado in the early 1990s, refining it over several years before it became commercially available. The pattern's combination of heavy weight, flash, and a mayfly-stonefly hybrid silhouette made it an instant hit. By the 2000s, it was the best-selling nymph in America.
Tying overview
Tie split goose biots for a tail, wrap a copper wire body, add a flashback wing case sealed with epoxy, and finish with a dubbed thorax and biots legs.
Fishing tips
Fish the Copper John as the point fly in a double-nymph rig, using its weight to pull a lighter dropper into the strike zone. It excels in fast pocket water, deep runs, and plunge pools. The flash from the wire body draws fish from distance.