Grasshopper

Grasshoppers (Orthoptera) are not aquatic insects—they are terrestrial herbivores that become trout food when blown onto the water. Late summer heat makes hoppers active, and windy afternoons along grassy banks put them in the river. A hopper meal is high-calorie and worth the effort for large trout. Hopper fishing is one of the most exciting forms of dry fly fishing.

Grasshoppers are found in meadows, grasslands, and agricultural areas adjacent to trout streams. The best hopper fishing occurs on rivers with grassy banks, especially in the Western United States. Peak activity occurs during hot, windy afternoons in August and September.

Grasshoppers are poor fliers and strong jumpers. On windy days, they are blown from grassy banks onto the water, where they struggle and kick, creating commotion that attracts trout. The best hopper fishing occurs on breezy afternoons when hoppers are most active. Trout often hold near grassy banks waiting for hoppers to fall.

Tactics

• Fish the Banks: Cast tight to grassy banks where hoppers fall.
• Splash It Down: Don't be delicate. Slap your fly down to imitate a struggling hopper.
• Windy Days: The windier, the better. Wind blows hoppers onto the water.
• Late Summer: August and September are prime hopper months.
• Big Flies, Big Fish: Hoppers bring out large, aggressive trout.
• Twitch and Skate: Give your hopper occasional twitches to simulate struggling.

Famous Patterns

• Dave's Hopper: The classic Western hopper pattern
• Morrish Hopper: Modern foam hopper with excellent flotation
• Schroeder's Parachute Hopper: Realistic and visible
• Charlie Boy Hopper: Durable and effective
• Thunder Thighs: Large attractor hopper

Grasshopper populations fluctuate with weather and habitat. Healthy grasslands support robust hopper populations.