Hop to it – it’s time to fish grasshoppers in Vermont

This commentary by Doug Lyons originally appeared Sept. 5 in the Manchester Journal.

 When most fly anglers think of fishing grasshoppers they look to the West and the high valley streams that flow through meadows of tall grass that are teaming with grasshoppers. New England is not really viewed as prime hopper territory but by picking the right type of water some fun fishing can be had in quiet settings. I, for one, love to get out and fish with hoppers and crickets on small streams — it is the perfect antidote after spending a morning squinting at little trico spinners.

The first step in finding good hopper water is to seek out cold water tributaries of bigger rivers. These little creeks are replete with small brook and brown trout and the very occasional larger visitor seeking out cooler waters while the main stem rivers are low, tepid and crowded with tubers, kayakers and canoers.

If possible find waters that run alongside grassy meadows where plenty of hoppers will be found. This is not an absolute but it certainly does not hurt. Failing this one can still have great sport on our small brook trout streams that tumble out of the Green Mountains. These little streams are full of hungry trout that are not going to hesitate when they hear the splat of a meaty hopper hit the water.

Read full article at the Manchester Journal.

(Fair use with written permission from the New England Newspapers Inc.)

Image courtesy of Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife