From Tom–This is my fly pattern, but as usual Flagler will probably beat me–even at my own pattern. I expect to learn a better way to tie it!
I love the Chubby Chernobyl for prospecting and especially when using a dry dropper. It’s probably my number 1 dry fly except during hatches. This is my version of that fly. I replaced the rear synthetic wing and tail with elk hair and kept the front wing a high-floating synthetic because sometimes I can see elk hair better and sometimes a synthetic wing, depending on light conditions. And I think the combination of the two gives the fly a more lifelike perception from underneath. I like hare’s ear fur for the body instead of the smoother synthetic dubbing used on the original because it is buggier and holds more air bubbles than a smoother body. I also, for aesthetic reasons, don’t like the front and rear legs crossing over each other so I only use a single rear knotted leg on each side. And the yellow foam tab is yet one more sighter—when using this fly, I want to be able to see it at all times, especially when using it as a dry dropper. This fly works as an attractor, as a hopper imitation, and as an imitation of an adult stonefly. It may even suggest a large moth to the fish.
Hook: 2XL Dry
Sizes: 8-14
Thread : Tan, 6/0
Tail: Elk, short
Body: Hare’s ear fur
First wing: Elk hair
Second wing: Tan EP fiber, Para Post, macrame yarn, or similar high-floating yarn
Rear legs: One pair knotted Spanflex or Flexi Floss or similar, brown with black mottling
Front legs: Spanflex or Flexi Floss or similar, brown with black mottling, not knotted
Overlay: Tan foam
Indicator tab: Yellow foam, short