Submitted by Lines and Tines on
There here! Hoppers! Fish are keyed in on them and hungry. Throw a hopper dropper rig at the bank and hold on. While hoppers get a lot of play, don't overlook other terrestrials like beetles and ants, both of which can stay afloat with a size 10 Copper John hanging off it. Try dropping Hare's Ear, Princes, or Pheasant tail, any size to present a double threat to unsuspecting fish.
Big bugs are fun, but if your in the water in the morning or evening you may get a chance to fish a pmd or caddis hatch, although the window is short as the temperatures are well above normal this year. Also, streamers, including "the bling" and clouser patterns work incredibly well on the Teton.
The lower Teton River is accessible at the Newdale Bridge, the old Teton Dam site, Spring Hollow near Drummond or if your in a pontoon and wearing a life jacket - the slide at Bitch Creek confluence. Make sure your prepared if you decide to descend the Teton as there are many natural hazards besides the river including large backed up sections that can strand you on a windy day and rattle snakes. Stay on your toes and get out there and catch (and release) some of the sweet cutties on the Teton!
Comments
Anonymous replied on Permalink
You have an awesome site here. I love the reports. Thank you!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Yes, so many anglers forget about using hoppers and other terrestrials! It's amazing really, when you think about just how much energy is in these types of food for fish, and that they can really produce when the time is right, that not all anglers have these types of flies in their fly box.
One pattern that I have found to be fun to fish with is the "Glo Bug Hopper." It was originally submitted as part of a fly swap and tied by Mark Donahue. Donahue primarily uses this pattern in Great Lake tribs. Of course, it can be used successfully anywhere there are hoppers!
Beetle patterns can also be used successfully to catch fish. Although I am not familiar with the intensity of the Japanese beetle infestation out west, here in the east, they were very prevalent and when they are in season, fish will hungrily take them with a vengeance when the beetles end up landing and floating on the water. To take advantage of this, fly tyer John Guldin came up with a pattern that uses a coffee bean for the body. An interesting and unique ingredient for a fly.