Hopes Dark

This Canterbury trout streamer fly or lure pattern has taken countless large sea-run brown trout in the lower Rakaia River! It will also take salmon and kahawai just as well.

The Hope’s Dark is tied in the typical Matuku style. The original lure would have been quite bulky having a round torpedo shape. You can buy this lure in Christchurch tackle stores with or without the pale blue floss trapped beneath the tinsel to form a lateral line on both sides. Personally, I wouldn’t even consider tying this lure without this blue line as I consider it essential for the lure to look realistic. Take a look for yourself at a real silvery.

You can use either two or four black hackle feathers for tying this lure. If you really want to muck around with the original tie, as I do, you can make an equally excellent “Hopes” by using a strip of rabbit pelt in place of the hackles. When the pelt becomes saturated in the water it takes on a sinuous fish-like action with every tug on the line. The rabbit version catches fish equally as well. I find it cheaper, quicker and easier to use the rabbit pelt. What David Hope, the original creator of this lure and part owner of a bach at Selwyn Huts, would have made of using the rabbit pelt I have no idea!

Most Canterbury anglers regard the Hopes Dark as a night fly or at least one to use when there is a bit of colour in the water.

Tail: Grizzle tips.

Body: White Chenille.

Rib: Flat or round silver tinsel.

Wing: 2 or 4 black hackles, with light blue floss trapped under the ribbing.

Topping: Peacock sword. I prefer the B175 Kamasan – Heavy Traditional Trout hooks which have been chemically sharpened, or Black Magic B2 lure hooks.