By TU Outfitter, Guide and Business Member, Tim Linehan, Owner and Head Guide, Linehan Outfitting Co.
Fishing terrestrials in late summer can be very productive... and there's nothing quite like fishing big bugs along grassy banks. In most trout fishing situations a drag-free drift is crucial, but not when it comes to fishing grass hopper patterns. Sometimes you have to give a little life to your fly.
Just the other day I was guiding some anglers who were dead-drifting hoppers with no success. I suggested they start “skitching” the fly - giving the fly a twitch or two and then letting it ride for ten feet - and the fish turned onto the movement instantly.
You shouldn't pop it like a bass bug, just skitch the hopper and let it ride. Too much movement can spook fish, but just enough can make them go berserk. Skitch it, let it ride...and get ready for savage strikes.