Hairy Plopper Hopper
Hook - Daiichi Model 1510/Size 10
Thread - UNI-Thread (Black 6/0)
Abdomen - Craft Trim Yarn (Camel) - Twisted and Furled to form rear body
Legs - Rainy's Natural Pheasant Tail Knotted Hopper Legs
Wing - Golden Pheasant Tippets (Dyed Hot Orange with Koolaid)
Body - Fox Squirrel in a dubbing loop and wrapped as fur chenille
I know this fly looks out of place on this forum, but it was actually inspired here as a result of the recent IBF hair hackle swap. I started playing around with the idea of coming up with a sinking hair-hackle hopper pattern. After a number of not-so-good attempts, I think this looks like a good fishing pattern. The pattern uses absorbent materials to allow it to soak up water and sink below the surface to imitate a drowned hopper. I suppose the hair could be treated with some floatant to allow it to ride low in the surface film. Once the fly has been soaked with water, it should land on the water with a soggy "plop".
I trimmed the body below the hook, which seems to give the pattern a little better profile. The fly has a nice soft texture which may also add to its fish appeal.
Anyway, thanks for the inspiration. I went astray with the hair-hackle technique, but it looks like a pattern worth field testing.