Views From My Side of the Vise: September 2024
By Paul Johnson
Are you a fan of social media? Do you actively participate or do you just attempt to keep
somewhat current with everything going on? There are many times that I have contemplated
unplugging all of it. However, like it or not, social media is not going away. As a result, I am a
selective consumer of social media and am active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. (You
really should follow me on all of these platforms)!
Of course, a lot of the content on social media is beyond worthless. Every now and again,
however, you can find something that is really, really good. Several years ago I came across a
fly pattern called the Neversink Trude that was tied and posted by Son Tao. It was one of those
flies that seemed to talk to me.
Since that time, I have forgotten what that fly even looked like because I started to tie it my way.
I did a Google search on the fly and found just a few references, most notable (to me at least)
being my own tying video on YouTube. The fly came from the Neversink River in New York. It
also never sinks, so the name works both ways. Just another example of what you can find on
the internet with a little curiosity and a search engine.
I fish this fly quite a bit from the middle of summer throughout the fall. I am not sure if the fish
take it for a hopper or a beetle or maybe just something that looks like it would be good to eat. I
am a big fan of the dark abdomen that is tied with a peacock-colored dubbing. Another
differentiating factor is the smaller size compared to other popular terrestrial patterns. I tie this
on a size 12 hook. The fly does ride low in the water compared to other multi-layer foam
hoppers. Yet, as indicated by its name, it is easily able to float a weighted nymph if you want to
use a dropper.
Hook: Size 12 hopper hook
Thread: 8/0 dark brown
Shuck / Tail: Amber Z Yarn from Montana Fly Company
Abdomen: Superbright Dubbing in Peacock / Peacock Herl
Back: 2 mm tan foam cut to ¼”
Under wing: Deer Hair
Over wing: White poly hair (I use Congo Hair from Fly Tyers Dungeon)
Legs: Barred Olive Sili Legs
If you like to fish hoppers, tie some of these up and give them a try.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Paul Johnson
Waconia, Minnesota
Paulwaconia@gmail.com
