Fly Recipe: MJ's Rubber Leg Copper John

The classic Copper John nymph, an attractor fly originally designed by Colorado-based angler and modern fly tying master, John Barr, was intended to sink quickly and to be fished in concert for big trout with larger grasshopper imitations. Over the years, however, the pattern has developed a cult following of anglers who use the Copper John on its own as a wickedly productive searching nymph in both rapid and still waters.


Matt "MJ" Jones of San Francisco, CA is an avid trout angler. He spends lots of time on the rich fly water of California's high country. The Truckee River is one of his favorite spots and this simple, but effective, Rubber Leg Copper John is one of his favorite flies.

Each time he heads to the Reno-Truckee area, MJ is sure to have a box-load of these bugs in red, chartreuse, and copper color variations at the ready. He loves this fly because it works well in the varied water anglers can encounter on rivers like the Truckee and for its simple design.


MJ's Rubber Leg Copper John >>
Hook >> Tiemco TMC 2457, sizes 12-18
Tail >> Black rubber legs
Body >> Wapsi UTC copper wire, size medium, red, chartreuse, copper, and other colors
Thorax >> Peacock herl
Wing Case >> Flash material coated wtih Z-Poxy 5-minute epoxy and resin
Leg >> Black rubber legs
Head >> Gold bead head, appropriately sized to fit hook


Evan LeBon is a regular contributor to beyondthebug.com

fly and photo courtsey of Matt "MJ" Jones, a regular contributor to beyondthebug.com