Ken Morrish worked as a guide in Alaska, Oregon and California. Ken came up with a grasshopper pattern that often has been called the most effective and life-like hopper imitation. The easiest way to get this effective body for the hopper is to use a cutting tool called the Morrish hopper body cutter. The one I use is made by RiverRoad Creations. It come with two cutting tools, the hopper body, and an indicator tool. I use a 2x long nymph hook when tying this fly. You want a slightly heavier hook to make sure the fly lands properly. The best way to see how this fly is tied is to Google “tying the morrish hopper” and watch the video.

Hook – 2x long nymph hook size to match the hopper body.

Thread – 6/0, 8/0 to match the body color

Body = 4 or 5 mm foam

Indicator – 1 or 2 mm foam

Legs- Speckled Centipede Legs

Eyes – Made with a permanent marker

Fly tied by John Lazar