Copper John Nymph

The following is a step-by-step photgraphic sequence of the tying of the Copper John Nymph


Materials for Original Pattern
  • Hook: Standard Nymph Hook 12-20
  • Thread: Brown
  • Tail: Pheaseant Tail Tips or Goose Biots
  • Body: Copper Wire (or colored wire)
  • Thorax: Peacock Herl
  • Legs: Pheaseant Tail Tips
  • Head: Copper Bead
    • Step #1

    The Nymph Hook securely in vise
    Step #2

    Take hook out of vise and slide on a small copper bead (because you forgot to do that before Step #1).
    Step #3

    Make three wraps of lead near bead.
    Step #4

    Force the wraps of lead into the bead cavity.
    Step #5

    Lay down a thread base, making sure to lock in the lead.
    Step #6

    Tied in tail material and return thread to bead.
    Step #7

    Tie in copper (or colored) wire from bead to the rear. Return thread to Bead
    Step #10

    Wrap wire forward to bead and tie down.
    Step #11

    Attach Peacock herl and wind foward, leaving approximately 2" hanging free.
    Step #12

    Tie in leg material.
    Step #12

    Over-wrap leg material with remainder of Peacock herl. Whip finish and apply head cement.
    Bottom View
    Top View
    Copper John with Copper Wire instead of colored wire.

    Final Thoughts: There are numerous variations of this fly. Not only in use of wire colors, but as mentioned in the materials list, differences in tail materials - biots or tips. Some folks put a shell-back on this fly with either the pheasant tail fibers, or use flashback materials. A very versatile fly that imitates some mayfly nymphs or possibly midge chironomids if tied in smaller sizes. The thorax area is modified quite a bit in some designs. Some tie a short wing on top (like a Prince Nymph), some tie legs to the side and others tie in legs underneath.