This fly was created by John Barr. When this fly was first sold by Umpqua Feather Merchants, it was a huge success. The fly caught trout and anglers wanted more of them. The Copper John is a bead head nymph tied using copper wire, peacock herl and epoxy for much of the body. The copper wire gives this nymph some flash, a good color and extra weight. New versions of this fly appeared, using wire in different colors. Thus began a move toward colored wire for many patterns, including tiny midges.

The Copper John is still an excellent nymph. It still catches trout. This is one fly a serious angler should have when fishing for trout. It works well, for many reasons.

Little River Outfitters is a fly shop and mail order company located in Townsend, Tennessee, a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We have been family owned since 1994.