The Black Hopper is an excellent, dark terrestrial dry fly for trout feeding on heather flies, hawthorn flies, small crane flies and other wind-blown insects. Its black body creates a clear silhouette, particularly in ripple and broken light.
Fish it close to bankside vegetation or along stillwater wind lanes. Start with a static or drag-free presentation, then use a small twitch to suggest a struggling insect. This is the sort of dependable dry that can turn a quiet rise into a memorable take.