Chubby Chernobyl - Black (Vader)

The Chubby Chernobyl – Black (Vader) is a stealthy and highly buoyant terrestrial fly designed for maximum visibility and floatation in all water types. This darker variant of the classic Chubby Chernobyl imitates large stoneflies, grasshoppers, and beetles while offering an attractor-style silhouette that grabs attention from trout holding in fast riffles, pocket water, and deeper runs. The all-black colorway, nicknamed “Vader,” excels on overcast days or in low-light conditions when fish are keying in on shadowy profiles near the surface.

With a double-layer foam body, durable rubber legs, and a high-vis white poly wing, the Vader is easy to track and resilient against repeated strikes and fast current. It’s a favorite among western river anglers during hopper-dropper setups, often serving as the perfect dry fly anchor for trailing nymphs or droppers. This fly performs well during late spring through early fall, especially during stonefly hatches or terrestrial falls.

To fish the Chubby Chernobyl – Black effectively, cast upstream or across current and let it drift drag-free. A short twitch or skate at the end of the drift can trigger aggressive strikes from opportunistic trout. Its high-floating profile also makes it ideal for fishing riffles and seams where visibility and floatation are key.