Copper John

Tungsten nymph searcher

Trout · GraylingSubsurface

Slim nymph with copper bead head and fine body — a searching nymph that works on any river with a hatch happening. Copper beads have become standard for a reason.

Fish this when

Spring and autumn when small mayfly nymphs are hatching. Fish it upstream in broken water on a tight line or with a small indicator.

Why it works

Slim profile suggests small nymphs. Copper bead adds visibility and gets the fly to the right depth fast. Simple, proven pattern.

Naturals it imitates

generic subsurface nymph

Typical zone & fishable range

usually

Surface

Film

Subsurface

Deep

Setup sensitivity: medium

Hook range#12–16

Quick facts

Tying difficulty

Intermediate

Buy or tie?

Tie it · video

Barr's Copper John Fly Tying Instructions Tied by Charlie Craven

Charlie's Fly Box · canonical

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Fulling Mill

Broad, stable commercial source for classic dries, wets, nymphs, lures and salmon flies.

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Fish Fishing Flies

Large UK fly catalogue useful for broad pattern coverage and traditional alternatives.

Included in packs

River nymph starter

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