O'Brien Outdoors: Fishing Grasshoppers -- An Effective Summer Ploy

As summer progresses aquatic insect hatches decrease, both in variety and consistency. It is this time of year when trout and other species feed more on land insects, commonly referred to as “terrestrials.” Of these land insects, the grasshopper might be the most relished simply because its size offers the fish more return for the energy expended.

The short-horned grasshoppers are the most important to fishermen. Belonging to the order Orthoptera, there are approximately 9,000 species found worldwide. Of the over 550 found in North America, the spur-throated grasshopper (genus Melanoplus), contributes about 300 species.

Toward the end of summer females lay up to 200 eggs in the ground and surround them with a sticky secretion, which hardens to form a protective egg pod. Grasshoppers develop through a simple metamorphosis consisting of egg, nymph, and adult. Dry, hot weather is best, as cold, wet conditions mean lots of egg and nymph mortality. The nymphs hatch in late spring and are one-eighth to one-half inch long. They look very similar to adults, but without wings and showing little color. Using the larger immature hoppers or an appropriately sized imitation in light gray or brown can be effective for late spring and early summer fishing.

Grasshoppers molt five to twelve times before reaching maturity by the end of summer. Adults range in length from one-half to three inches or more. Colors of yellow, gray, green, and pale, dark and reddish brown are most common.

For fly fishermen, matching the size and coloration of the most abundant hoppers found streamside is important. One hopper species frequently encountered in north central Pennsylvania has a bright yellow underbody with the outer part of the hind legs a vivid scarlet. I always called this particular hopper a red-legged yellow-belly.

Hoppers are most active from late morning through the afternoon. Although they don’t intentionally enter the water, enough end up there for the fish to recognize them as food. Once in the water, hoppers swim (push themselves across the surface) by kicking their rear legs, or flutter their wings in an attempt to get airborne. Imparting action to an imitation can entice even the most finicky fish. Fly patterns with flattened fronts (either clipped deer hair or foam heads) create sufficient surface disturbance when short strips are incorporated.  A cast that delivers the offering with a “plop” will often arouse the fish’s attention.

That does not mean your presentations should be totally dictated by imparting action to the fly. The naturals do tire and drift along motionless with the current. At times, a dead-drift presentation will produce best. Experiment until the fish reveal their preference.

The time to catch live hoppers is in the early morning before they’ve had a chance to warm in the sun. They will still be sluggish from the lower nighttime temperatures and a much easier catch.

If using live hoppers; hook them under the collar just behind the head with a small, light wire hook. Rigging the hopper this way allows the bait to live longer and act lively and in a more natural manner. Casts should be made as gently as possible. Hoppers can also be threaded lengthwise through the body; although in doing so, the bait is killed and no action should be expected. They can be fished both on the surface and underneath. For subsurface fishing, a few split shot are often needed to get the hopper down to the fish.

Anglers should concentrate their hopper fishing along grassy or undercut banks, under overhanging vegetation and near exposed boulders or logs. Fish along the bank with the wind blowing to the water- it will receive the most naturals. Grasshoppers are excellent summer bait for ponds and lakes; both panfish and bass will greedily feed on them. Hoppers are also a productive bait when night fishing for trout.

Grasshoppers, both naturals and imitations, are excellent offerings for trout, bass, and panfish. Don’t miss out on this summer action; take advantage of the “hoppertunity.”