Chubby Chernobyl

intermediateterrestrialdry flyhopperattractorsummerfalltroutriverstream

Description

The Chubby Chernobyl is a buoyant terrestrial dry fly that represents a hopper, stonefly, or large attractor insect riding low in broken water. It works well through summer and early fall on freestone streams, pocket water, and grassy riverbanks, and it also makes a steady dry in a dry-dropper rig. The pattern is approachable for tyers with basic foam and rubber-leg control; the main challenge is keeping the foam, wing, and legs centered.

Materials

Tying Instructions

1.
Secure the hook in the vise with the shank level and start the thread one eye length behind the eye.
2.
Wrap a smooth thread base back to the bend, keeping firm tension so the foam will not spin.
3.
Tie in a tan foam strip at the bend with two tight wraps, leaving a short rear tag beyond the bend.
4.
Dub a slim golden stone body forward to the midpoint of the hook shank.
5.
Pull the foam over the dubbed body and bind it down at the midpoint with several firm wraps.
6.
Tie in a sparse clump of white polypropylene yarn on top of the foam at the midpoint, trim the butt ends, and keep the wing centered over the shank.
7.
Tie in one barred tan rubber leg on each side at the midpoint, setting the legs square to the body.
8.
Dub the front half of the body forward to about one eye length behind the hook eye.
9.
Pull the foam forward over the front dubbed section and bind it down behind the eye to form the front body segment.
10.
Tie in one barred tan rubber leg on each side behind the eye, matching the angle of the rear legs.
11.
Fold the remaining foam back over the tie-down point to form a short head, secure it with tight wraps, and trim the foam to shape.
12.
Trim the wing to about the length of the body and trim the legs evenly so they extend just past the bend.
13.
Whip finish behind the eye and apply a small amount of head cement to the thread wraps.