Comparing copper johns

[FlySmyth]

I was looking to tie up some copper johns and manoman there are as many patterns for that as there are for the adams.

My question for those in the knows is what is your favorite pattern for Copper John. I know I can tie it any way I want but I want to tie it the way that will have copied someone that has had success with his pattern.

Did that make sense?

FlySmyth.

[cheech]

What?

I think a Copper John is a cut and dry pattern. I know there are plenty of different colors that you can tie it, but as far as pattern variations, I don't know of any. I guess you can tie it however you want, BUT, according to those on this site, it will no longer be a Copper John, and will need to be named something else (Like a copper ribbed stonefly nymph). Maybe you are talking about the steps to tie them? Maybe people have different ways they like to tie them? Who knows, but for now, just make it up, and call it a Cheechenstein...


If you want to get the "exact" pattern, do a google search for John Barr's Copper John.

[nightfish]

Here's a tutorial link for the CJ...

http://www.troutflies.com/tutorials/cjohn/index.shtml

As for different ways to tie it (other than altering the color), you can sub the epoxy with head cement, clear nail polish, or leave it out entirely. You can also make the legs from other feathers, like wood duck, mallard flank, marabou, etc.

[«°Ñøvã°»]

dried blood colored wire and a gold bead has worked great for me instead of the tradition copper / gold or red wire. could try using a tungsten bead too hmmmm.....

[Fred]

First, I put on a copper tungsten bead and then put the hook in the vise. I wrap lead wire from the eye, almost down to the hook bend. I use a bobbin to wrap the lead because it is important to have the wraps even and without any bumps. Then, tie in two forked brown goose biots for the tail. Wrap thread and try to make it tapered. Then tie in a piece of brown/copper or copper wire. Wrap forward and tie off. Tie in piece of mylar tinsel, then a small piece of black thin skin. tie in a few strands of peacock herl. Wrap the herl forward and then tie off. tie in the thin skin and the tinsel. Add partridge feather for the legs. Whip finish.

That's how I tie it. I like them very heavy. It was a good pattern for me last year.

Sometimes I call it Papa John because I was fishing with a guy and I caught a few fish. From across the river, he asked me what I was using and I said, copper john. He couldn't hear me very wall and said "what, papa john?" "I've never heard of it. " he said. Then, he kept asking me during the trip, "you still using that papa john?"

[fish-hunter]

I like the look of a drop of epoxy on the wing case. Sweetens up the pattern a bit!

Fish-Hunter

[RAW]

Fred. . .the "Papa John is illegal on the lower.

Papa John Material List:

Hook: Barbed, bait hook. Size to match appetite of fish.
Thread: Brown.
Body: Bread dough slightly browned.
Overwing: Small slice of pepperoni.
Head: Small piece of cheese.