The Hopper Juan

Monday, March 28, 2016

The Slim Shady Baetis Nymph 5.0

I know, I know, I already have about 4 or 5 patterns that I have called the "Slim Shady" at some point, but this one is the last one, I promise. This is it. This is the one. I finally settled on a pattern that I will now retire that name. The reason why I like that name so much is because it is catchy and the younger generation knows exactly what the reference is. But more than that, I love it because I strive to tie my baetis nymphs slim and skinny. That is what the fish like and that is what I like. So, from now on, this fly is called the Slim Shady. It's been killing it lately and I have enjoyed tying it and fishing it. After a few changes, I find that it is bomb-proof and durable. There were some challenges early on with durability, but they have been fixed. Stay tuned for a video and more info on these bugs. They are brand new, so I am still working on colors right now. Stay tuned!!

They like the "Slim Shady"

Not a clue as to why?

It worked awesome as a match to the dark baetis nymphs the fish were eating

Lt. Olive Slim Shady

Lt. Brown Slim Shady

Legs.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Scott G2 Rods for Sale

Are you looking for a 2nd rod or a new to you fly rod? I have two Scott G2 rods that I am putting up for sale.
They both are in good to great condition and have been used gently over the years. They were my personal rods and not used for guiding so they are not beat up.
I am asking $300.00 for each one, plus shipping.

Scott G2 8'8" 4wt fly rod.--SOLD!

Scott G2 8' 8" 5wt fly rod. SOLD!!!

Please e-mail me at juan@anglerscovey.com if you are interested.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Arkansas River Report

All of a sudden we went into spring mode! We have been having great weather for the last few weeks on the Front Range and that has led to rivers warming up a bit and with that, the bugs have started moving and that makes the fish move and look for more food. The fishing on the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers has been great, considering it's still February and winter. I was out three times this week and each day was different than the one before it. Monday brought a last second guide trip to Deckers where the fish were really eating both midge larva and baetis nymphs.

Wednesday and Thursday were spent on the Upper Arkansas where I fished and guided, using the normal stonefly, caddis larva and baetis nymph combo. The fishing there has really turned on as the water has warmed. There is no ice on the water and readings have made it up to 45 degrees from readings of 38 last week. The fish are eating all types of food, but are really looking for baetis nymphs when the water warms up. We will probably have some early BWO hatches so get ready now!

For February, the river is really fishing well and that is due to the weather we have been having. I think it will continue to be nice, with a few storms thrown in here and there, but it's only going to get better from here on. If you are interested in visiting either river with me, let me know and we can get it set-up! Until then, get out and fish!

Sunday, January 31, 2016

I smell Spring!

I figured that I should post something for the month of January. It's been a busy month for me with some shows and a lot of time at the vise. I've been looking forward to February for a while now. Things will start to warm up a bit around here and the days are already getting longer! Soon, the golden stoneflies will start moving around on the upper Arkansas River and that will get the trout looking around for them more. There is nothing like seeing bigger bites available to the fish to get them looking for Big Macs rather than french fries.

Stoneflies, along with the usual midges and Baetis, will kick start the late winter/early spring feeding on the Ark. The usual early spring set-up for me is a stonefly/caddis larva or a caddis larva/baetis nymph. Some days even start with a stonefly/caddis/baetis nymph set-up. The fish will let me know what they are eating and I can remove one fly. If they continue to eat all three patterns, I keep fishing all three patterns. Make sure to use weight and get the flies down!

If you would like to make a trip down there with me, please contact Royal Gorge Anglers to set up a guide trip to show you how to fish this river in the early spring. I am really looking forward to fishing this river very soon as I think it is the most overlooked season. I'll post pictures!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The Fly Fishing Show

It's that time of the year again! I'll be tying for all three days at the Denver FFS. I'll have some flies and some Hopper Juan Materials Kits available for you. Please stop by and say hi to me. See you there!
http://flyfishingshow.com/denver-co/

Friday, December 25, 2015

Mercer's Poxy Back Golden Stone

Poxy Back Golden Stone from Juan Ramirez-Hopper Juan on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Take a few minutes, when you have time or need a break, to check out this new video I did for you all. It's the Mercer's Poxy Back Golden Stone.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

A few flies from the vise and the Micro Magic Tool

I've been tying a lot lately and I wanted to share a few images with you guys. One item that I recently purchased is the Mirco Magic Tool by Marc Petijean. If you tie small flies using CDC as well as small soft hackles, this is the tool you need. I have only played around with it for a few days, but with that, I can say that it is well with it. All the soft hackle images below are tied with this tool. I have been using some Brahma Hen hackles as well as Coq De Leon Saddle Hackle for these soft hackles. These feathers are too long for small soft hackles, but with the tool, it makes it easy to get the right size. I'll have to do a video on how it works.

For now, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.