Is bigger really better?

In the late summer time when everyone is ready to throw big, nasty hoppers, I like to take it down a notch and throw some small hoppers.  Why?  Why not?  Around my neck of the woods, especially on the South Platte River, the fish have seen a billion imitations of cranefly larva to BWOs by the 4th of July.  On certain sections, Hoppers really don't get the love.  There just isn't many of them out there and the fish don't necessarily need to eat them.  They will if it is an opportunity to them and they are looking for anything to eat, but I have seen them completely ignore a big meaty hopper when they are eating Tricos and PMDs.  On other stretches of rivers, I just like to offer them a smaller bite, something that they are willing to eat.  More than once I have seen them half-heartidly attempt to eat a size 8 hopper, but when offered a size 12 or 14 hopper, there is no hesitation.  

The pattern below is a smaller version of my Hopper Juan.  I tie it on a short shanked size 10 hook.  It's an easy modification of the original and quite easy to tie.  I like the short shanked hook because the hook gap is large while keeping the body short and small.  I'd say it's more like a size 14 2X hook, but with a gap to hook fish.  

It's not too late for hoppers right now.  I am still offering them to fish and they are still eating them.  Tie some up and go have some fun!

Hook:  Size 10 Short Shank Hook

Thread:  6/0 MFC Sand

Body:    Med. size cut 2mm foam

Under Wing:  Pearl Krystal Flash

Wing:   MFC Widow's Web, Tan

Indicator:  MFC Gator Hair, Hot Pink

Legs:   MFC, Small Barred Tan Sexi-Legs

Pierce foam onto hook shank and make a layer of thread

Secure with 3 thread wraps

Add super glue to secure the foam to the thread

Add 2nd piece of foam and secure with 3 wraps

Add more glue and repeat

Once you get 3 segments, tie off bottom foam with several wraps and cut close

Use micro tip scissors here

You will have little "nubs" from the cut

Secure with several wraps of thread

Add more glue and secure top piece of foam

Take thread back to middle segmented add some flash

Add your overawing of Widow's Web.  

Add legs to each side

Secure wing and foam with more glue

Fold back the top section of foam and secure with 2 wraps

Add in the indicator material

Whip finish and cut material to length 

Top view

Bottom view

Fish's view

Complete!