Realistic Hopper – Grasshopper

Realistic Hopper (Grasshopper)

The Realistic Hopper pattern from our Vania Flies collection is remarkably close to the real insect in looks, appearance, and the way they move in the water. Made from lightweight foam and coated with silicone for elasticity and durability. Superior details on this pattern mimic the look of the real grasshopper so well – they look alive and your fish will not know the difference. The fly is made of high quality, floatable and light material that has just the right weight so when they hit the water, the way they float emulates the real insect accurately. The flexibility and design of the legs add crucial movement to the fly when in water, giving it a more realistic look and providing that imperative advantage when fishing this fly pattern. The material is super sturdy – these flies were tied to last and will withstand many takes. These realistic hoppers are highly effective – expect some explosive strikes!

Realistic Hopper comes in 8 colors: Gray, Green, Tan, Yellow/Brown, Brown, Yellow, Yellow/Black, and Pink, and three hook sizes: #6, #8, and #10.

Winner of the Best Terminal Tackle Award at the 2015 EFTTEX!

Hopper Fly Fishing

Hoppers (grasshoppers) are ground-dwelling terrestrials from the order Orthoptera with powerful hind legs that enable them to jump energetically. They are large and bulky insects that often find themselves in the water where they start drowning the instant they hit the water. When in water, they would start vigorously struggling, kicking, and splatting. Accurately imitating these movements of the fly on the water surface can be an imperative part of your presentation. Dead-drift floating with an occasional twitch can produce some ferocious strikes from sizable trout.

Hoppers are ‘big meals’ so they usually bring the largest fish to the ‘table’. Adult hoppers hit their peak activity and reproduction from late June through October, sometimes even into November for some species. Great times for presenting this fly is during warm and breezy midday and afternoon. They are most active on the hottest days of the summer months. At the same time, these are the days when the water temperatures are warmest and water levels are the lowest – the times when even the largest of fish come out for some easy large meal.

Hopper Fishing Tip: When fishing with hopper patterns, throw your fly within a few inches of the water’s edge. Moving a few inches closer to the bank could be crucial when fishing with these flies.

Fly Fishing Terrestrial Flies

Terrestrial insects are land-bred. Some of the species of terrestrials include hoppers (grasshoppers), ants, beetles, bees, crickets, etc.

Terrestrials are one of the essential food sources for trout and other game fish during the summer months. Hot summer months are when the aquatic insects become sparse, the trout is the most active and grows the fastest. This is when terrestrials become their most important food source as a rich source of protein. A terrestrial falling into the water is a great and nutritious meal for fish as these insects are usually bulkier and heavier than aquatic insects and they provide a large calorie intake when the trout need it most.

Terrestrial fly patterns are effective from May till October, and sometimes even into November.

As terrestrials are most active and most likely to fall in the river during the day, the best time to fish these fly patterns is anytime from late morning all the way through the evening. Windy days are best as the wind ‘pushes’ them to the water. Optimal locations to present terrestrial patterns is along cut banks, grassy shorelines, or under big trees – places where fish wait for them – easy meals just dropping in. As these insects will eventually be pulled further into the river – midstream can also be a good place to present your fly.

On smaller streams fish depend mostly on terrestrials as their food source. Small waters don’t have the high-energy riffles where the aquatic insects spend much of their lifecycles. For fishing small streams – terrestrials are a must.

Be it mid-summer, early fall, or the midst of spring – fishing terrestrial fly patterns can provide top dry-fly action!