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Hoppers! That’s the name of the game right now on all of our area fisheries. We’re seeing big numbers of grasshoppers on our waters, and the fish are taking advantage of an easy meal. The hoppers are big and plentiful, and best imitated with a large foam pattern like the Morrish Hopper in size 6, 8 and 10. All colors are effective—orange, yellow, tan, olive, etc. One of our favorite colors is pink! Give it a try!
Lots of other patterns will work. Don’t be afraid to experiment or use tried-and-true patterns like the Dave’s Hopper (it’s incredibly effective on the Big Wood). Be sure to use the appropriate leaders and tippet when hopper fishing. Leaders of 7.5 to 9 feet in 2X and 3X are good choices. You need a heavier leader to turn over large, wind-resistant flies, and heavier sizes will prevent breakoffs from aggressive eats. On Silver Creek, savvy anglers favor fluorocarbon over monofilament; fluoro is much more abrasion resistant, and that is critical when a toothy 22-inch brown eats your hopper!
The Tricos are still strong on Silver Creek, although the action has been starting later with the recent cooler morning temperatures. Small BWOs continue to be mixed in with Tricos, so keep an eye out for these bugs and be ready to switch patterns. As mentioned, the hopper fishing on Silver Creek has been quite good. If the afternoon looks warm and windy, get down to the Creek!
Anglers on the Big Wood are catching fish on a variety of flies—hoppers, small attractor dries and caddis, copper johns, zebra midges, princes, hoppers, and even streamers. With the above-average flows on the river and the cool nights, the Big Wood has been a fantastic fishery. We’re looking forward to the Western Red Quill (Hecuba) in a few weeks; it should be special!
Now is the time to explore the waters of Copper Basin and the Upper Big Lost. Cover lots of water and fish your favorite hoppers and attractor dries. Keep an eye out for flying ants… big cutthroat love them!
The Lower Big Lost is still high at 420 CFS, but some good fishing can be found. Hopper/droppers, skating craneflies, and double nymph rigs are all great choices.
It’s a great time to be an angler here in the Wood River Valley!
Happy fishing, everyone!