As we usher into August, we look forward to fishing the Hopper hatch. As grasshoppers mature, they become an important food source for trout on our local fisheries. Windy summer afternoons can provide some excellent Hopper fishing on Silver Creek, the Big Wood River, the lower and upper Big Lost Rivers, and the Salmon River. Patterns like the Morrish Hopper, More Or Less Hopper, Thunder Thighs Hopper, or Triple Decker in sizes 6, 8, and 10 are staples. All colors are effective – yellow, tan, olive, peach, and even pink. Be sure to use a stout leader when fishing your Hopper patterns; 1X – 3X in 7.5 to 9 feet in length.

The Tricos are still present on Silver Creek. Small BWOs continue to be mixed in with Tricos, so keep an eye out for these bugs and be ready to switch patterns at a moment’s notice. While the Hopper fishing has not been outstanding on the Creek by any means, it pays to fish Hopper imitations on warm, breezy afternoons. Callibaetis, Damsels, Beetles, and Ants have been important on the Creek, and anglers should have a good supply of these imitations post-Trico hatch.  

Anglers on the Big Wood River are catching good numbers of fish on a variety of flies – Hoppers, small attractor dries, Tricos, Caddis, PMDs, 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 water has dropped considerably, so focus on the prime water and keep on the move. The biggest cutts in the upper Big Lost, East Fork, and North Fork will only give you one chance, so make that first cast count.

The Salmon River downstream from Stanley continues to fish well; it’s Hopper time on the river for the river’s resident Westslope cutthroat trout. A dropper nymph fished underneath your dry fly will take plenty of trout and whitefish.

The lower Big Lost River is flowing at approximately 400 CFS, and strong waders can take advantage of good fishing with Tricos, PMDs, Hoppers, and Craneflies. Of course, nymphing with Rubber Legs, Zebra Midges, Copper Johns, Rainbow Warriors, and Perdigons is highly effective as well.  

The South Fork Boise River below Anderson dam is running just under 1500 CFS, making it ideal for floating. It’s Hopper time on the river for sure, and anglers fishing into the evening can have some incredible dry fly fishing using Caddis, Pink Albert, and Midge imitations.

Happy Fishing Everyone!