As the calendar flips into summer and temperatures climb, one of the most exciting shifts in fly fishing happens along the banks of rivers and streams across the West: the arrival of grasshopper season. From late June through September, hoppers become one of the most important food sources for trout — and fishing a well-tied hopper pattern can produce some of the most explosive, heart-pounding strikes of the entire season.
Why Hoppers Matter
Grasshoppers are clumsy, terrestrial insects that live in the tall grass and meadows bordering trout streams. When the wind picks up or they simply misjudge a jump, they end up on the water — and trout know it. Unlike the subtle sipping rises you see during a midge or PMD hatch, a trout taking a hopper often means a violent, aggressive eat. Big fish that spend most of the year holding deep will move to the bank to intercept these high-calorie meals.
The peak of hopper season typically runs from mid-July through early September, though warm, dry summers can push activity earlier and later. The best fishing often happens on windy afternoons when naturals are being blown onto the water in numbers.
How to Fish Hopper Patterns
Presentation is everything with hoppers. Focus your casts tight to grassy, undercut banks — that's where trout expect to see them land. A hard splat on the water is often more effective than a delicate presentation; it mimics the natural impact of a hopper hitting the surface. Dead drift is your default, but don't be afraid to give the fly a subtle twitch or kick to trigger a strike from a hesitant fish.
Fish big water with confidence. Hopper season is the time to target those trophy lies you've been eyeing all year.
Our Top Hopper Patterns for Summer
We've put together a lineup of proven hopper patterns that cover a range of conditions, water types, and fish preferences. Here's what we recommend stocking up on before you hit the water:
Parachute Hopper
A classic for a reason. The Parachute Hopper rides flush in the film with a highly visible parachute post that makes it easy to track in choppy water or glare. It's an excellent choice for technical fish in slower, clearer runs where a realistic profile matters.
X Foam Hopper
Built for buoyancy and durability, the X Foam Hopper is a workhorse pattern that floats all day without reapplying floatant. The foam body creates a realistic silhouette and a satisfying splat on entry — exactly what you want when you're slapping the banks. A go-to for high-volume days and fast water.
Bullet Head Hopper
The Bullet Head Hopper's distinctive clipped deer hair head pushes water and creates subtle movement that drives trout crazy. It's a big, bold pattern that commands attention — ideal for larger rivers, windy conditions, or when you want to cover water quickly and draw fish up from depth.
Morrish Hopper
Designed by master tier Ken Morrish, this pattern is a staple on Western rivers for good reason. The Morrish Hopper combines a realistic foam body with rubber legs and a low-riding profile that sits right in the film. It's one of the most versatile and effective hopper patterns ever tied, and it belongs in every summer box.
Build Your Summer Box Now
Hopper season waits for no one. Stock your box with a mix of sizes and colors — tan, yellow, and brown are your core palette — and get out there before the best weeks of the season slip by. The fish are looking up. Make sure you're ready.