Hoppers… that is the name of the game right now on all our area fisheries. We are seeing good numbers of grasshoppers on our local 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, More Or Less Hopper, Thunder Thighs Hopper, or Triple Decker in size 6, 8 and 10. All colors are effective — orange, yellow, tan, olive, peach, and even pink.
When fishing hopper patterns, be sure to use the appropriate leaders and tippet. Leaders of 7.5 to 9 feet in 1X, 2X and 3X are good choices. You need a heavier leader to turn over large, wind-resistant flies, and heavier sizes will prevent break-offs from aggressive eats. On Silver Creek, savvy anglers favor fluorocarbon over monofilament, as fluorocarbon is much more abrasion resistant. That is critical when a trophy brown trout smashes your fly.
The Tricos are still present 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. Callibaetis, Damsels, Beetles, and Ants are still in play, as well.
Anglers on the Big Wood are catching good numbers of fish on a variety of flies — hoppers, small attractor dries, caddis, Copper Johns, Zebra Midges, and Rainbow Warriors. We’re looking forward to the Western Red Quill (Hecuba) in a few weeks; it’s always one of our favorite hatches on the river.
Now is the time to explore the waters of Copper Basin and the Upper Big Lost River system. Cover lots of water and fish your favorite hoppers and attractor dries. Keep an eye out for flying ants… big cutthroat love them.
The Salmon River downstream from Stanley continues to fish well; it’s hopper time on the river for the resident Westslope cutts.
The Lower Big Lost is at approximately 400 CFS, and strong waders can take advantage of good hopper fishing, PMDs, and skating craneflies.
Happy fishing, everyone!