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

1. Mount a size 8–14 hook; start yellow or orange thread at the bend.
2. Tie in a pair of barred rubber legs on each side of the bend, extending rearward.
3. Cut a strip of yellow or tan foam; fold and tie in flat as the body, covering the shank.
4. Tie in a second pair of rubber legs at the 1/3 mark.
5. Continue the foam body forward to the 3/4 mark.
6. Tie in a bright orange or chartreuse foam strip on top as the indicator post.
7. Add a final pair of rubber legs at the 3/4 mark.
8. Tie down all foam sections neatly; build a small head, whip finish, and cement.