Henry's Fork Hopper
The Henry's Fork Hopper is a high-floating trout grasshopper pattern built for late-summer banks, windy afternoons, and Western rivers where big fish watch for falling terrestrials. It is one of the better hopper flies for anglers searching terms like best hopper fly for trout, realistic grasshopper fly pattern, and late summer trout dry fly.
Imitates: Adult grasshoppers and large terrestrial insects
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #6-12
- Best Season
- Mid summer through early fall
- Best Conditions
- Windy meadow rivers, grassy banks, undercut edges, and hopper-dropper water
- Water Temp
- 54-68°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 3X-5X
How to Rig It
Fish it alone or as the top fly in a hopper-dropper setup with a tungsten nymph 18-30 inches below.
How to Present It
Cast tight to banks, foam seams, and grassy edges, then let it drift naturally with the occasional twitch.
Why It Works
The foam body, visible wing stack, and realistic hopper profile keep it floating while matching the calories trout expect in late summer.
History
The Henry's Fork Hopper became popular as technical Western anglers wanted a more fishable hopper that still looked realistic on selective trout water.
Pro Tip
Do not fish it only on obvious banks. Some of the best eats come in mid-river seams after windy afternoons push hoppers well off shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I fish a Henry's Fork Hopper?+
Fish it from mid summer into early fall whenever grasshoppers are active along trout streams and rivers.
Not sure if Henry's Fork Hopper is right today?
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