How to Tie the Purple Bionic Hopper

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

With: Fly Fish Food

The Purple Bionic Hopper is a high-floating, leggy terrestrial pattern perfect for attracting big trout during hopper season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start the Thread

  • Secure a size 8 Gamakatsu S10 hook in your vise.

  • Start your purple 140 denier thread (e.g., Danville 140) behind the hook eye and wrap it back to the bend.

Step 2: Add a Hotspot Tag

  • Tie in 3–4 strands of UV crystal flash in hot orange or fluorescent orange at the bend to serve as a visual trigger.

Step 3: Prepare the Cylinder Body

  • Cut a purple 5mm foam cylinder using EP foam cutters.

  • Taper one end by trimming both sides to form a rounded, bullet-like shape.

  • Lightly flatten the base of the foam cylinder for easier tying.

Step 4: Attach the Rear Foam Segment

  • Tie in the cylinder where your thread hangs (just forward of the bend).

  • Use strong tension to secure the foam to the top of the shank.

  • Leave enough room behind it for other materials.

Step 5: Add a Brown Foam Wing

  • Cut a tapered strip of 2mm brown foam.

  • Lay it over the top of the purple cylinder and tie it down so it extends slightly beyond the rear of the body.

  • Secure it with tight wraps to maintain segment definition.

Step 6: Add a White Visible Wing

  • Tie in a clump of white Trigger Point or poly yarn on top of the brown foam wing.

  • Keep it centered and slightly shorter than the brown foam for visibility on the water.

Step 7: Tie in Rear Legs

  • Use barred sexy floss (e.g., MFC or Hairline).

  • Tie one leg on each side, allowing them to angle slightly back.

  • Adjust tension to control how much they flare.

Step 8: Move Thread Forward & Tie Front Foam Segment

  • Advance the thread to about 1/3 from the eye.

  • Tie in the second section of the purple cylinder, making sure not to crowd the eye.

  • Center the foam and pull tight wraps to lock it in place.

Step 9: Add Second White Wing

  • Use leftover Trigger Point yarn and tie it in on top of the front foam segment.

  • Trim to match the length of the first wing.

Step 10: Fold & Secure the Brown Foam Over Front Segment

  • Fold the brown foam forward and tie it down to create the front wing case.

  • Leave a short flap to help guide the wing and suggest a head profile.

Step 11: Add Front Legs

  • Tie in a pair of contrasting Uniflex or Spanflex legs (in camel or tan) in an “X” shape.

  • Position them near the eye, flare slightly outward.

Step 12: Whip Finish & Trim

  • Whip finish behind the eye.

  • Trim the foam head to leave a visible, rounded front.

  • Trim the front legs short, rear legs long and wiggly. Avoid over-trimming.

Materials List

  • Hook: Gamakatsu S10 or TMC 100, Size 8–14

  • Thread: Danville 140 Denier, Purple

  • Body: 5mm Purple Foam Cylinder

  • Rear Tag: UV Crystal Flash, Hot Orange

  • Underwing: 2mm Brown Sheet Foam (tapered strip)

  • Visible Wing: White Trigger Point or Poly Yarn

  • Rear Legs: Barred Sexy Floss (purple, black, or brown)

  • Front Legs: Uniflex or Spanflex in Camel

  • Adhesive: Head Cement (optional)

Trent Jones
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Fly Fishing for Redfish in South Carolina Marsh | Phelps on the Fly