Humpy

How it's tied

The Humpy Fly is usually tied on a dry fly hook, typically in sizes 10 to 18. This pattern involves a somewhat complex tying process with the use of multiple materials.

The body is made of fine dubbing, with a high-floating deer or elk hair hump and wing to keep the fly riding high on the water. Hackle fibers are often wrapped around the body, front and back of the wing, providing additional buoyancy.

A visible tail of elk or deer hair, or sometimes hackle fibers, is added to improve balance and imitate the tails of many aquatic insects. This elaborate structure makes the Humpy Fly a little tricky to tie but rewards with excellent floatability and an alluring profile.

What it mimics

The Humpy Fly is a suggestive pattern, meaning it doesn't mimic one specific insect but rather hints at a variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects. Depending on the size and color used, it can resemble caddisflies, stoneflies, or even small terrestrial insects like beetles or ants that have fallen into the water.

Where it's used

The Humpy Fly is particularly effective in fast-flowing, rough water where its high floatability keeps it visible amidst the currents. Trout, grayling, and other gamefish in both streams and rivers find it hard to resist.