Chubby Chernobyl
The Chubby Chernobyl is the modern Western attractor dry fly — a foam-bodied pattern that floats like a cork in any water and can support a heavy dropper nymph. Its bright indicator top and foam base make it easy to see and nearly unsinkable. Fish it as a dry fly on its own or as the indicator fly in a dry-dropper rig in fast water. The rubber legs create a constant wiggle that fish cannot resist. Essential for high-water Western rivers.
- Type
- dry fly (Stonefly)
- Hook sizes
- #8–14
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall
Materials
- hook: Dry fly hook #8–14
- thread: Yellow or orange 6/0
- body: Yellow or tan 2mm foam, folded and segmented
- back: Bright orange or chartreuse foam strip (indicator)
- legs: Barred round rubber legs, 3 pairs
Tying steps
- Mount a size 8–14 hook; start yellow or orange thread at the bend.
- Tie in a pair of barred rubber legs on each side of the bend, extending rearward.
- Cut a strip of yellow or tan foam; fold and tie in flat as the body, covering the shank.
- Tie in a second pair of rubber legs at the 1/3 mark.
- Continue the foam body forward to the 3/4 mark.
- Tie in a bright orange or chartreuse foam strip on top as the indicator post.
- Add a final pair of rubber legs at the 3/4 mark.
- Tie down all foam sections neatly; build a small head, whip finish, and cement.