Chubby Chernobyl - Purple (Barney)

The Chubby Chernobyl – Purple, playfully nicknamed “Barney,” is a bold terrestrial dry fly that commands attention on the water. With its deep purple body, durable double-layer foam construction, and vibrant white wing post for high visibility, this pattern stands out in stained water, low-light conditions, and turbulent riffles. Its rubber legs pulse with movement, mimicking the struggling kicks of a large terrestrial insect or adult stonefly trapped on the surface.

The Chubby Chernobyl series is known for its unsinkable buoyancy and dependable profile, and the Barney variation adds a bit of flair with its royal purple coloration. This pattern shines in late summer when terrestrial insects like hoppers, beetles, and even crickets are frequent flyers along the banks. The color purple has proven effective at triggering reaction strikes from trout, especially on heavily pressured waters where fish are used to more muted patterns.

Fish the Chubby – Barney as a standalone attractor dry or as the top fly in a dry-dropper rig paired with a heavy nymph like a Perdigon or Tungsten Walt’s Worm. It’s especially productive on freestone rivers, undercut banks, and grassy meadow streams. A gentle plop near the bank or across a seam can often result in an aggressive surface strike. The foam keeps the fly afloat even in choppy or high-gradient water, making it ideal for Western rivers, backcountry creeks, and anywhere terrestrials fall.