Parachute Hopper, tied by Dave Miller.

Every fly-rodder should carry terrestrial patterns, especially ants and hoppers. Grasshoppers are abundant in September. Where the long grass meets the water, fish feed opportunistically on the unfortunate insects that blow in on a gust of breeze.

Even though I carry several hopper patterns to imitate bugs found in different corners of the state, the Parachute Hopper has a special place in my fly box. It is a spare pattern with a realistic silhouette.

Tie the Parachute Hopper with tan thread on a No. 6-10 long dry fly hook. Spin olive, tan or yellow synthetic dubbing on waxed thread and wrap forward two-thirds of the shank to the eye. Tie in lacquered turkey wing feather, laying it along the body. Use turkey tail fibers for the legs and knot with half-hitches to simulate knees. Tie in as shown. Use white calf tail for the parachute post. Wrap grizzly hackle around the calf tail post. Spin dubbing on thread and wrap to eye, then finish. Pull legs away from body before fishing.