The Moorish Hopper is a popular grasshopper pattern used in fly fishing. It is a variation of the classic Dave's Hopper pattern, which was originally developed by Dave Whitlock in the 1950s. The Moorish Hopper was developed by a Spanish fly tier named Alberto Calzada and gained popularity in Europe before making its way to the United States.
The Moorish Hopper features a body made of foam, which gives the fly buoyancy and helps it float on the water's surface. The fly also has rubber legs and a deer hair wing, which give it a realistic profile and movement on the water. The pattern is often tied in a variety of colors, such as tan, green, and yellow, to match the colors of grasshoppers found in different regions.
The Moorish Hopper is typically fished as a dry fly, floating on the surface of the water. It is particularly effective during the summer months when grasshoppers are active and abundant near rivers and streams. The fly can be fished in a variety of water types, from small creeks to larger rivers.
One of the reasons the Moorish Hopper has become so popular is its ability to imitate a grasshopper, which is a common food source for many fish species. Additionally, the fly's foam body and rubber legs make it highly visible to fish, even in rough or choppy water.
Overall, the Moorish Hopper is a versatile and effective fly pattern that should be included in any fly fisherman's collection, particularly for those fishing in areas where grasshoppers are prevalent.
Product Code: MOOQOAV170