This fly is a staple pattern in western trout boxes to imitate large, buggy terrestrials like grasshoppers and adult stoneflies. We jokingly refer to the Chernobyl as an aircraft carrier because of its long, slender profile and the fact that it is virtually unsinkable.

Don't be afraid to add one or even two heavy nymphs below the Chernobyl. The fly itself is not known for delicately landing on the water and it's that splash that can often trigger an eat from an aggressive fish, especially near a grassy or undercut bank.