modern Michigan dry fly · late 1980s to early 1990s
Reid's Irresistible Hopper
Also called Popcorn Fly
Likely origin Card and Deschaine's 2014 Fly Anglers Online column agree, but both are Deschaine's; the date is his estimate.
History
This spun-deer-hair hopper is credited to Don Reid of Michigan, about whom Tom Deschaine could learn nothing more. Northern Michigan anglers know it as the Popcorn Fly.
Deschaine placed it in the late 1980s or early 1990s from what he was told. It floats well and holds up, and he also tied it smaller than the original sizes because of its long outline.
Materials
| Hook | Dry, 2XL, sizes 6 to 8 (also 10 to 12) |
|---|---|
| Thread | Tan 6/0 |
| Tail | Grizzly hackle fibers, short (or a red or yellow wool tag) |
| Body | Yellow deer hair, spun and clipped (olive, cream or gray to match) |
| Wing | Dark deer hair over the back, past the bend, bound with crisscross wraps |
| Hackle | Grizzly and ginger, mixed |
Sources
- Deschaine, T. "Reid's Irresistible Hopper." Michigan Dry Flies archive recipe card.
- Deschaine, T. "Reid's Irresistable Hopper." Fly of the Week, Fly Anglers Online, May 31, 2014.
Know more about this fly's history, or spot a mistake? Send a correction.
No photo yet. Every photo on michfly is of a fly tied for the site, so they're added a few at a time.
Original recipe cards for many Michigan patterns are kept at the Michigan Dry Flies archive, built by the late Tom Deschaine.