Mini Hoppers

A little while ago I saw some cool mini hopper patterns on Ben's blog Arizona Wanderings (go check it out!!) that I was very intrigued with. Reading through his posts, Ben mentioned that he got inspired by Jason's Klass' video of tying the Balloon Caddis. That post had me also tie some Balloon Caddis last Fall which I fished successfully in the high country. But Ben took this pattern a step further and transformed this European fly (developed by Austrian fly tyer Roman Moser) and transformed it into the Mini Hopper.

To me, this created the perfect hopper pattern for Tenkara, a fly that is not too large but still has the attributes of a hopper, floats well, wiggles, you name it. I am planning to use this fly this Summer, both alone or in a "hopper & dropper" rig. Based on how successful the Balloon Caddis is, I am sure this fly will not disappoint. 

Well, I dropped a line to Ben whether he would be interested in a mini swap; some of my Tenkara flies for his Mini Hopper. Here is what I received in the mail:

Arizona Wanderings' Mini Hoppers - are you ready for Summer?

Aren't those some tasty morsels for hungry trout?

Tight Lines, Karel