ORIGINAL GFA Hopper | Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing

This is the ORIGINAL GFA Hopper as tied by Walter Wiese, the pattern's originator. The pattern gained a lot more recognition when Tim Flagler tied a "tweaked" version several years after this video was posted.

We've made a few tweaks to the pattern since we posted this original video.

Most notably, and something we haven't seen in any of the variant patterns that others have tied, we now tie the foam strip on the underside of the hook. Poke the foam onto the foam strip at the rear after starting the thread, segment the body as pictured, then poke the foam strip over the hook eye after punching a hole in it with your scissors or a bodkin. Tying the foam in this manner keeps the thread wraps on the hook shank hidden.

We also generally add a Krystal Flash underwing, usually in a color than contrasts with the foam and underwing. Pearl KF under natural deer hair with a pink foam strip and yellow legs works well.

Just last season (2023), we started adding a contrasting 1mm foam strip without segmentation as an underwing that we then glue to the shank and bottom foam. This creates greater buoyancy without much additional bulk,

You can also swap the wing to a synthetic fiber such as MFC Widow's Web. We generally do so now.

Contact Walter Wiese about fly fishing trips or for tips on tying these patterns at [email protected] or at https://flyfishmontana.biz. He is no longer involved with Parks' Fly Shop in any way and instead operates as Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing.