should be a good hopper summer

[hoglaw]

I haven't been over in a while now. I'd like to fly fish a little more, but it's tough for me to want to wade and whip water all day when I know I can hammer them on a jig from the boat. Maybe we will get a bunch of higher flow this summer. That would set up the jerkbait bite but the hopper fishing could be great as well.

When does the hopper bite normally start materializing? My good buddy just had twins so he'll be ready to do an over and back trip this summer. We are also expecting our first. A boy due November 1. So I need to get out while I can this year.

[Quillback]

Congrats to you and the missus!

As far as the hopper bite, I have no idea. Seems like they become a plague in the garden in July and especially August.

[Ham]

Larry Babin is a fly fishing guide and puts a lot of folks on big fish with hoppers. He rows an Adipose drift boat. He said it has already started and I think the trout always look for hoppers when the wind blows. I think it will be better soon, but it is happening already.

[Clay Goforth]

First things first, Congratulations! You will be surprised at how much you can still get out on the water with just one little one. And, even if it requires you to stay at home more, it is worth it. Without question or comparison.

Second, hopper season could be epic this year...a bunch of water, a bunch of big fish spending the better part of the first few weeks of summer gorging and getting fat on shad and worms, losing some of their inhibitions in regard to "natural" baits...and then come the hoppers. Best test for hopper season: Stop somewhere out in the country next to a big field. Go into big field. Open mouth as wide as you can. Commence running through field. If you make it less than 10 yards before you have to stop and spit, it is hopper season.

In all seriousness though, in regard to hammering them with jigs vs fly fishing, I have the same dilemma. However, a top water bite on any fish, when it is on, is just awesome to experience. Just the thought of a big 8lb+ brown rolling up onto the surface to pick up a big fat piece of foam and then rocketing back toward the bottom gives me goosebumps.