Umpqua Barr's Copper John Fly

Overview

The Copper John is John Barr's famous nymph, and the Zebra version adds black and silver contrast with a silver bead. Barr built the original over about three years of testing, and it debuted in Umpqua's catalog in 1996 as the dropper for his hopper-copper-dropper rig.

The wire body and bead make it heavy, so it sinks fast. It suggests many mayfly and stonefly nymphs as well as midge larvae, and the banded black and silver look of the Zebra stands out in clear water and catches light without being gaudy.

Euro Specs

• Bead: Silver-colored bead.
• Hook: Standard nymph hook.
• Role: Both; size 12 as a point fly, 14 and 16 as droppers.

How to Fish It

• Hopper-dropper: hang it 18 to 30 inches under a foam hopper, the rig Barr made famous.
• Indicator nymphing: use it as the top fly to help get a smaller nymph down.
• Pocket water: it sinks quickly in short drifts behind rocks.
• Clear water: the black and silver banding gives contrast without being too bright.

Choosing Color and Size

Zebra is a high-contrast black and silver color that suggests midge larvae and small dark nymphs. Use size 12 in fast water or as the point fly, 14 as an everyday dropper, and 16 for clearer water and smaller insects.