GFA Hopper - Foam Grasshopper Fly, Indicator Fly - McFly Angler Dry Fly Tying Sessions

This pattern is awesome for trout, sunfish, bass, and anything that will eat a grasshopper. It also can be tied in black to mimic a cricket really easily as well. Its a quick, very effective, foam indicator type fly. In fact, ive heard its named "GFI" because its a "General Foam Indicator". However I just realized the fly is not called GFI but GFA (for general foam attractor). Sorry everyone, we all make mistakes, and I had mistaken from a sorta telephone game of sorts. Anyway, it’s A simple, generic, foam type fly. I think I like this pattern better than a Chernobyl ant personally as it seems to get more wary fish to nibble, and is slightly easier to tie. These are awesome little patterns, that are so versatile. I have tied them very large, with a thicker foam, and very small as well. They also can be tied in so many different colors. So give it a try!
As always I am adding a list of the materials below. Keep in mind I use Risen fly materials whenever I can. Their quality is great, and their prices are unmatched for similar quality products. Best of all, I got you all a discount. Type in McFly at checkout to get your 15% off of everything in their shop.
Hooks: Risen Barbless Nymph 9231 (you don't need dry fly hooks with these, they float so well) - www.risenfly.com/collections/...
Thread: Veevus 10/0 in light Cahill - amzn.to/3ov49f4
Dubbing: UV2 Diamond Bright in copper/olive - www.jsflyfishing.com/spirit-r...
Body: 2mm Fly Foam in Gold (and a bright color for accent) - amzn.to/2W0h0JP
Wing: Elk Hair - amzn.to/3m3IKry
Legs: MFC Centipede Legs in Medium - amzn.to/37Q2Ro1
Cement: Super Glue - amzn.to/3oBr6Nv
Tools.....
Vise: Renzetti Traveler - amzn.to/2t2FFmo
Bobbin: Stonfo Bobtec - amzn.to/2YWOf39
Scissors: Dr. Slick all purpose - amzn.to/3fbLsZm
Whip finisher: Dr. Slick brass - amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - www.oasisbenches.com/oasis-be...
Hair Stacker: Griffin regular stacker - amzn.to/3m2ispM
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T-Shirts/Jackets/Stickers/iphone cases and more: teespring.com/stores/mcfly-an...
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[@elijahturner3291]

I really like the "simplicity" of some flys I honestly thought it would be harder but it looks like it can be enjoyable. Thanks for the video it's good to see a video from someone local doing fly fishing and tying videos

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey thanks. Just so you know, as simple as it looks they can be difficult to tie. Just keep practicing and you will get it down.

[@kingfisherwoodturing5330]

So simple but so effective!! Great pattern!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, yeah whomever came up with the pattern knew some simple effective techniques

[@CaptainLaxify]

Love this fly. Can’t wait to tie it when I get new materials for Christmas.

[@McFlyAngler]

Let me know how it goes for ya.

[@flyingunicycle]

Thank you for sharing! I’m just getting into tying and this is a very nice video! Keep them coming!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you, glad it helped. Welcome to this great hobby!

[@farmerbob4554]

Good call on the colors. I find yellow disappears in bright overhead sun but orange is easy to see and the reverse is true in low light. I like the “finished” bottom of this fly after all that’s what the fish is looking at. Good one McFly!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks Bob!

[@brunomarquezan]

Very nice pattern, very productive here in Brazil . Great job man. God bless

[@McFlyAngler]

Ya the pattern is a good one, glad you like my take on it

[@justinmcquaide4862]

Cracking videos as always. You can tell with all the tying your doing youve definitely went to another level you make it look so simple and your confidence is also very apparent. Not that your tying wasn't brilliant before with all the videos you've made over the years . I just sense definitely more confidence Keep up the great work man hope you and your family have a great Xmas and Happy New year.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you Justin, how are things?

[@justinmcquaide4862]

@@McFlyAngler yep doing well just happy to have no more pain with the kidney stones lol

[@McFlyAngler]

That is good man! Haha!

[@intheroughdiscgolf]

looks awesome, I live in upstate SC and normally drive into western to NC to fish for trout, your more recent videos show you fishing for sunfish. that thought never occurred to me before! I have many streams and creeks within 10-20min of house instead of 1hr 30min for trout. Going to def tie this up for some panfish. will prob also tie this up in size 14 and maybe 16 for some dry dropper in the mountains. Have a great day!

[@McFlyAngler]

Very cool! let me know how the sunfish fishing is!

[@SzymonFlytiers]

Simply but beautiful!!!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you!

[@sanjuanriverflytyer9389]

Nice little hopper you made for the Hill country. I bet you that would fish no problem down there. Hoppers are some of my favorite things to use in the summer.

[@McFlyAngler]

You bet

[@leemowers9395]

Very nice foam hopper, thank you.

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you like it!

[@gillrealon5238]

Nice video on building this hopper.👍thanks

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks 👍

[@yepyepuhhuh]

Good fly to tie. Thank for for the description.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah man! I’m working actually on a better filmed version of this video where it’s got voice over and better close up shots. Should be out in a couple weeks.

[@matthowell1633]

Nice fly. Only issue to consider is the point where you bring the thread from the middle /thorax to the eye leaves a single thread in big jeopardy of even a small fish tooth and the whole thing unravels. I'd finish and cement the fly right there instead of going forward. But foam flies tend to be surprisingly delicate especially when unhooking fish with hemos, using your barbless hooks and a Y hook remover and not grabbing the shank helps a lot. These will double the fly's life.

[@McFlyAngler]

I’ve not had an issue but I use veevus thread which is super strong and nick resistant. Maybe that’s why. Good points

[@matthewcapra9761]

Thanks this will be perfect for bass in my river and rock bass too

[@McFlyAngler]

Sweet hope it helps

[@martyrothman3933]

I really enjoy this and don't worry about the kids they're just doing their job they add to it

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol for sure, thanks man

[@mikeclement5383]

General Foam Indicator is the GFI term I believe. Used in a rig with a nymph chasing it. So you're right AND you're right.

[@jimholland1592]

Love your channel 👍

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you very much

[@christopherpluchos1324]

Looking forward to fishing this pattern!

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah man, not hard to tie up, but in most of the places I’ve fished before, hopper season is winding down. Tie some up soon and get out there! Haha

[@richardjones2129]

Nice hopper I'll have 2 give it a try. God Bless n fish on!

[@McFlyAngler]

God bless you as well. And yeah it’s a good one, should get you some fish.

[@Check-Your-Fly]

Thanks for sharing this video!Cheers!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks for watching

[@travisdurgeloh9621]

Looks a lot easier than catching a bucket full of them hoppers!

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol! For sure

[@abahmufishing]

Thanks, i learn so much 😊

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey awesome man, glad these help

[@fly_yaker]

Great video!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@fishduckdog]

Thanks 🙏 for sharing!

[@McFlyAngler]

My pleasure!

[@josuerodriguez3058]

Excelente job. Thanks a lot.

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you like it.

[@deansimpson3231]

Nice adaptation

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@samkomichalik2656]

Good video

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@jeffjackson5331]

Very cool

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@McFlyAngler you're welcome bud

[@No_NetMan]

I've found ditching the indicator foam and adding a bit of polypro/ trigger point yarn increases visibility a ton. This brings me to my question... gfa hopper vs chubby for a prospecting dry-dropper rig

[@McFlyAngler]

Both are great options, the GFA is quicker to tie. So I like it better.

[@bkm6175]

Love all information. I am new fly fishing and tying. I fish mostly for panfish since Delaware isn’t known for trout. What type hook would be best for top water foam flies. I have used 8 and 10 but just what I had laying around. What do you think I need. Thanks Bryon

[@McFlyAngler]

For foam flies I’d use this barbless risen hook. Good hook at a great price perfect for foam flies. www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/barbless-nymph-9221

[@jamesluck2969]

0:17 it's been around for atleast a decade, it's on the list of flies i was taught to tie while starting out.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes it’s not new, it’s not my pattern, I explained that in the video. Lol!

[@jamesluck2969]

@@McFlyAngler I didn't mean to make it seem that I was saying you said something you didnt. Sorry if you took it that way. Just ment to point out that it's not new even by a few years.

[@McFlyAngler]

@@jamesluck2969 Yeah I know its been around for a while. :).

[@rifflegear4378]

I’ve heard this design credited to Walter Weise of Gardiner, MT in another video. I just like to tie them and fish them.

[@hughiegraves7524]

nice one i have a lot of luck with the tan color.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah it’s a good color for sure

[@ryantherock7664]

Hey Sean will this float a rather big jig nymph on a dry dropper rig?

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes, but depends on how heavy it is….

[@aaronmiller6118]

Do you have any suggestions for organizing a fly box/fly boxes? I was thinking once and for all I would do it but I'm not sure how to do it

[@McFlyAngler]

Not sure what you mean by organizing one? Like how to arrange your flies? If so, I personally just take all my flies out, group them together by pattern/sizes, then put them back in order. But it all depends on the flies.

[@aaronmiller6118]

@@McFlyAngler I was thinking arranging flies. I mostly use trout flies and only fish a couple of rivers so pattern and size shouldn't be too hard

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool, well good luck.

[@kennyb214]

GFA Hopper

[@McFlyAngler]

You are right thanks for the correction. I always thought it was a “General foam indicator”. But your right, it’s “General Foam Attractor”. Pretty lame on my part, unfortunately it’s in the video and I can’t edit it once uploaded. Sucks.

[@dennyharvey3808]

for the love of God, get a new glue brush McFly🤣

[@JWolfy11]

can craft store foam be used for these? or do we need to buy something specific from a fly shop?

[@McFlyAngler]

Just make sure it’s 2mm Eva foam, and you are all set. Any 2mm Eva foam will work

[@jamesluck2969]

I've tied with craft store foam for years without serious issue. As McFly said make sure its EVA foam, or any rubberized foam that is open cell. Only issues you may come across is some craft store foams are softer than what youd find in a fly shop, so your thread my cut it easier. Hell I've even tied top water patterns made from play mats, flip flops, and insulation trim.

[@jeramyh9344]

Just tied this while watching. I'm very new to tying, the dubbing was the hardest part for me.

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey I’m so happy to hear you gave it a try. Over time dubbing will become second nature. But yes we all struggle with dubbing in the beginning. Keep at it, lick your finger tips to wet them and it will help you a little, also add dubbing wax to the thread also can help. But over time you will get to the point where you don’t need those things.

[@Grouse2275]

Great fly….. though I would rather whip finish through the final dubbing rather than bringing that thread forward…. It would look neater👍

[@McFlyAngler]

It would look “neater” but won’t be as secure. I choose to have a fly last longer than look better usually but totally up to the individual tier for sure.

[@kenhastings564]

If the foam is sealed will the fly float and not soak up water?

[@McFlyAngler]

I never have issues with it sinking

[@mikegerard8712]

Any issues substituting a size 8 dry fly hook? Enjoy your videos!

[@McFlyAngler]

Nope! Totally fine to do. However I like a little beefier of a hook like a nymph hook because I bass fish with these at times. Lol! But dry fly hooks are fine.

[@mikegerard8712]

Thanks. My son in law likes big flies like this for bluegill, so now I can tie him up some for Christmas. Your videos make the tying so easy!

[@McFlyAngler]

Nice! Good luck man, and hope he catches some nice ones!

[@jamesluck2969]

I've had luck scaling up this pattern for bass fishing. The largest I've gone so far was tied on a Mustad size 6 streamer hook

[@joshfung2131]

Thanks, Can I use head sement instead of super glue?

[@McFlyAngler]

Sure, just super glue will hold the foam a bit better on the hook shank.

[@rustyshovelhomestead591]

How much do you sell a box of these for. I would be interested in one.

[@McFlyAngler]

How many total do you want? Find me on Instagram or Facebook to place an order. I generally sell by the 5pk. I have no problem selling them in larger packs.

[@taytford9325]

I don’t have elk hair but I do have deer hair are the two interchangeable or does the elk hair have a special purpose?

[@McFlyAngler]

You may use deer hair if you want. Use whatcha got, will serve similar purpose

[@taytford9325]

@@McFlyAngler ok sweet

[@deojames7092]

Will you be doing more saltwater flies?

[@McFlyAngler]

At one point yes.

[@hunteredwards1345]

I have trouble with this one wanting to roll on me no matter what I do

[@McFlyAngler]

Roll? Please elaborate

[@hunteredwards1345]

@@McFlyAngler I feel like no matter whats i do as im tightening around the foam, that the foam wants to roll on the hook.

[@hunteredwards1345]

Maybe different glue, or maybe im no wrapping enough around the hook shank

[@kevindavis7822]

I would like to look at more of your flies and bugs and different kinds I would probably purchase some from you as well as your fly case how do I contact you

[@McFlyAngler]

Best and easiest way is though Instagram. Just find mcfly angler on there and pm me. Otherwise if you don’t have Instagram I also have Facebook or you can find my email in the about section of my homepage on KZbin

[@kevindavis7822]

I don't have Instagram but I will try to figure it out I would like some flies for sure as well as the case

[@McFlyAngler]

Kevin, if you have Facebook I’m on there also. Or like I said, the homepage of my KZbin channel here you can see a tab that says “about”, under there the email is hidden unless you click it. I think it says contact, or show email now, or something like that. This is to keep spam bots from getting my email and spamming me. If I just put it here then I’ll get spammed also.

[@ERone43]

Time for a new glue brush dude

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol, waste not want not.

[@robertsteck6875]

Hi McFly! Just noticed a couple of videos ago, you moved to Texas! Are you coming back to Colorado this summer? If so I would like to take you to some of my alpine fishing spots for you to make some YT videos. I am a retired guide from the area in the Weminuchi wilderness area +++ Check out my channel for pack goats and training, your kids will love 'em. The Goats will be ready for some adventures by then! I know I am!

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool thanks man! Sounds awesome! I hope to come back at one point, we will see. What part of Colorado you in?

[@robertsteck6875]

@@McFlyAngler Bayfield Co. South of Vallecito Lake. I guided many years here and I found your channel looking for local videos of Vallecito river. Tough river to fish! Until you get about 14 miles up and in. Pine River and the tributaries are my areas and man the cut throat there in small streams is amazing. Waters were very low this year with a high death rate of trout, late this summer. Don't know how well the alpine streams are doing for now and prepare for a late June trip up the Pine and find out. If you can you are more than welcome to come. Hope to make that happen. Be really cool to introduce pack goats and alpine fishing videos...I like being behind the camera, just saying. LOL