Dave Webb
October 4, 2025
I did well fishing hopper patterns with my fly rod on two small streams in southern Utah. I like hoppers, and other big bugs, because I can catch fish without making long, accurate casts to land a fly delicately on the water. I enjoy fly fishing but lately I’ve been trolling from my boat on most of my outings, so I’m out of practice. With hoppers, I can just smash them onto the surface and still have a good chance of catching a fish.
It is great fun watching the float with the current, watching fish come up and take a look, and watching aggressive fish smack them.
I see hoppers throughout farm country and up into the foothills. Imitations seem to do well on streams at lower and mid elevations. Higher up, ants and beetles might be a better choice.
It is just fun and enjoyable getting out at this time of year. The high country has been ablaze with color for a few weeks and the dazzling display has been creeping down the mountains into trees and brush along the streams. Yesterday was windy and the air temp was cool, but it was still great being out.
I fished the East Fork of the Sevier in Black Canyon and also the lower section of Antimony Creek. Both streams hold a variety of trout species: rainbows, cutthroat, and browns. I caught mostly browns yesterday. Nothing huge but nice fish wearing their brightest fall outfits.
Regulations on the East Fork allow fishing with artificial flies and lures only. DWR has established a wildlife management area there to ensure access points for fishermen.
Both streams are overgrown with willows and wild roses. You have to push through to access the streams. Both offer nice, deep holes along with plenty of pocket water.
Both were running low and clear, meaning it was easy to spook the fish. I tried to sneak up on holes but often saw fish darting for cover before I even started my cast.
It was great fun.