Tying The Bluegill Candy Hopper

Hook: Mustad 9672 #8
Thread: Wapsi UTC Ultra Thread 140 Denier, Chartreuse
Body: 2mm Craft Foam, Tan and Chartreuse
Legs: Wapsi Barred Round Rubber Legs, Yellow with Black Bars
The Bluegill Candy Hopper is a fly I ran across years ago and has proven a very dependable fly for catching all sorts of panfish and Bass. It is a easy fly to tie, rides well in the water, and is almost indestructible. It is also a fun fly to tie. Once you get started you see all sorts of possibilities and color combinations and before you know it you have a box full of Candy Hoppers.
The original was tied on a dry fly hook which you certain could use but I prefer a longer shank heavier wire hook. My fishing conditions are such that I will often be placing this fly in Lilly pads, weeds, sticks and around grass and logs. I have found a heavier wire streamer hook works well in being able to pull the fly out of these situations.
A small apology for the overall audio quality on this video. I am working the kinks out with a new microphone and the voice overs. This is part of the reason there was not a video last week. Not my usual clarity but I wanted to get this fly out. Look for more Panfish flies in the coming weeks. - Enjoy
If you have any questions about the tying of this fly feel free to let me know in the comments below.
If you would like to purchase some Bluegill Candy Hoppers there are a number for sale on my website (while supplies last). - dressedirons.c...
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[@JasonJonesImagery]

Good Job on the tie, its always fun to see other people tying my patterns. Glad it works good for you. Black and a bright top color is a super combo that the bluegill just can't resist on certain days.

[@DressedIrons]

Wonderful! Glad you like the fly and video and thanks for chiming in!! I love hearing from people who originate flies. It is always nice to get their input and perspective on what you have tied. I will tie some with a black body and bright back (similar to the It's-A-Bug - th-cam.com/video/ciZRNILu2zw/w-d-xo.html). - Ian Anderson

[@Sleeper519]

Be careful of those hook points--they're sharp!

[@marksleeper3752]

nice fly what size river road cutter did you use

[@DressedIrons]

Mark, for the size 8 hook I used the large sized cutter. I might use the large for a size 10 hook but definitely the medium cutter for a size 12. Check the resulting piece you cut against the gap of the hook. If it is not too big or small it should work fine. The gap of the hook is generally how wide you want the foam strips. - Ian Anderson

[@marksleeper3752]

Thanks very much for the info Mark

[@DressedIrons]

@@marksleeper3752 You are Welcome.

[@craigallen7321]

First of all I really like the fly. You really caught my attention when you said central Indiana. I grew up in central Indiana and spent my weekend s on Palestine lake in Northern Indiana where I developed a love of fishing and more importantly Flyfishing over 50 years ago. I would be interested to know what area you are from and what you like to fish for.