Fat Albert 01/31/2026 Photo Album

Argentina was the place where I was introduced to the fat Albert, and I am thankful for that experience. Read about it in my 03/27/2016 post. The fat Albert is another hopper pattern, and it fishes quite well for me throughout the season. Similar to the pool toy hopper, it serves as an indicator for several weighted nymphs, and on many occasions that is its sole role. However, it is not uncommon for trout to choose the large foam terrestrial over the dangling nymphs.

Fresh Fat Albert

Typically this is my first choice for a surface fly, if I decide to fish a dry/dropper with two trailing nymphs especially if one of the nymphs contains a tungsten bead or is heavily weighted. The fat Albert is probably my most buoyant foam fly.

I Like This View

In a deviation from the tying instructions that one encounters online, I do not make the body by wrapping thread endlessly around a foam underbody. Instead I tie in a long strand of yellow floss, and then I wrap it back to the butt and return to the front of the hook. The wide floss provides coverage with far fewer wraps.

Needed Materials in the Background

I lost a few fat Alberts during my 2025 fly fishing adventures, so I tied an additional five. Two were refurbishments with only the replacement of legs required. I am ready for the 2026 fly fishing season with hopper patterns.