I came across this fly for the first time on a trip to Montana seven or eight years ago. I was out there during hopper season and the Fat Albert did a number on those big trout on the Madison River. Since this pattern fished so well. I picked up a few to bring home as tying samples thinking they would tear up the warm-water scene around here. I was not disappointed! This turned out to a great pattern for big bluegill. The fly also caught a fair number of largemouth bass. I'm toying with the idea of a "Fatter Albert" for bass this spring.

It's relatively easy to tie. Thread body, contrasting colors of foam, centipede legs, and Antron/flash for the wing. I have since streamlined the tying process eliminating the wing and tie them as demonstrated in this video. You can crank them out a little faster and warm water fish dont seem to mind the missing details of the original