Summer is Hoppin’: Embracing Hopper Season in the West
As summer hits full stride in the West, one of the most exciting transitions in fly fishing begins, hopper season. With the spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, and other aquatic insects fading from most waters, many anglers are left wondering what’s next. The answer? Terrestrials, especially grasshoppers. Along with these hoppers, ants and beetles become a larger portion of a trouts diet and will readily fool fish this time of year.
From the Front Range to alpine streams and warmwater ponds, hoppers are out in force, and so are the fish. These terrestrial insects often rival stoneflies in size and become a primary food source for hungry trout and other species as days grow shorter and food becomes scarce heading into fall.
The Power of the Hopper
Hoppers are not only plentiful, but they’re also high-protein snacks that fish find irresistible. And their diversity is remarkable. They come in a wide array of sizes and colors—bright yellows, vibrant greens, subtle tans, and even ghostly creams. You might be surprised how varied they are once you start paying attention to individual insects along the banks. Ants and beetles vary as much as hoppers and it is key to include a few in your box, to cover the color and size variations you can find throughout our watersheds.
To match this variety, it's essential to carry a solid selection of hopper patterns. I recommend stocking your box with flies ranging in size from 8 to 16 and in at least two to three different color schemes. This allows you to adapt to the specific bugs in any given watershed. I also make it a point to carry a few all-black patterns, which serve double duty as cicada imitations and stand out in low-light conditions thanks to their bold silhouette.
As always, throwing dry flies without the proper floatant can cause issues and frustration. For more information on proper floatant applications, check out this video from our very own Grant Houx during our peak float season this past season.
Go-To Patterns for Late Season Success
As terrestrial season peaks and gradually transitions into fall, certain hopper patterns become staples in our boxes. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at a few of the most effective hopper flies we rely on during this time of year—flies that consistently produce results when fish are keyed in on the surface.
So grab your box, tie on a hopper, and get ready. Because in the West, summer is hoppin’—and so are the fish.
Morrish Hopper
A benchmark for realistic hopper imitations, the Morrish Hopper is an essential addition to any fly box. Designed to ride low on the water, it offers a more lifelike terrestrial profile than many other patterns, making it a go-to choice for fishing as a single dry fly.
Streambank Hopper
Another foam style pattern, the Streambank Hopper stands out with its high-visibility parachute post and buoyant hair wing, allowing it to ride high even in rough water. It’s a top choice during terrestrial season for supporting heavier hopper-dropper setups or when fishing faster currents.
Chubby Chernobyl
The legendary Chubby Chernobyl, where would we be without it? This versatile pattern pulls triple duty as a stonefly, attractor, and hopper imitation, making it a perennial favorite for good reason. During hopper season, tan, olive, and gold variations shine, effectively mimicking a wide range of hopper sizes and colors. Ideal for hopper-dropper setups and fast moving water, be sure to keep those larger early season #8 and #10 Chubbies ready as the biggest hoppers of the year start making their appearance.
Parachute Hopper
The trusted classic. A go-to pattern during the height of summer, the Parachute Hopper shines when water levels drop and fish become more cautious. Its lightweight, non-foam design makes it perfect for smaller creeks and wary trout, offering a delicate presentation without sacrificing visibility. With its subtle footprint hitting the water and enticing profile, it’s an easy target for opportunistic fish and an essential fly for any summertime hopper arsenal.
