Summer is hoppin'!
Hopper season is one of the most exhilarating times of the
year in the west. Our typical “trout” hatches have passed us on most waters and
leave people questioning what to do next. For most, the answer is hoppers!
Whether you’re targeting warm water species or trout from the Front Range to
the alpine, hoppers will be everywhere, and fish take notice. Hoppers as big as
stoneflies can be seen and with days shortening and less light, fish will begin
to feed heavily as Fall approaches and their food sources dwindle.
Hoppers vary in size greatly and therefore it is important
to have a range of sizes and colors to properly match the hoppers in the
watershed you are fishing. Ranging from bright yellow and greens to pale tans
and cream colors, it is truly astounding at the differences you can see when
you begin to look at individual bugs. I like to have hoppers in sizes ranging
from 8-16 all in at least 2 or 3 different colorways to cover all the bugs I
may run into. Lastly, I also carry 1 or 2 in all black for cicadas and give the
fish a silhouette to recognize in lower light conditions.
Let’s discuss a few specific patterns we rely heavily on during this late terrestrial season.
Morrish Hopper
A pattern that sets the standard for realism, the Morrish Hopper is a must have in the box. This bug rides lower giving it an even more natural terrestrial presentation than most patterns available and is one we often throw as a single
dry.
Streambank Hopper
- Again, a primarily foam hopper, the Streambank hopper features a hi-viz parachute and a hair wing to help it float even higher, making it my primary option during terrestrial season for heavier hopper dropper rigs or in faster moving water.
Chubby Chernobyl
The classic Chubby Chernobyl, where would we be without it? Seriously though, for a stonefly, attractor and hopper pattern all in one, the Chubby Chernobyl is a trusted stand by for a reason. The tan, olive and gold colorways are favorites during terrestrial season to imitate hoppers of all sizes and colorways. Perfect for hopper dropper rigs and faster waterways, keep your larger early season #8 and #10 Chubby Chernobyls at hand for the next few weeks as our biggest hoppers of the season begin to show themselves.
Parachute Hopper
The old standby. One of our absolute favorite patterns during the summer time. When flows drop and fish are spooky, presenting a parachute hopper to them ups your odds. This lightweight, non-foam hopper is ideal on smaller creeks or spooky fish. Subtle to present on the water while offering a large profile for fish to attack and take down easily. A must have for summer hopper fun!
