The Michigan Hopper is a renowned terrestrial trout fly, celebrated for its effectiveness in luring trout during the summer months. Originating in the Midwest USA, this fly mimics grasshoppers, a staple in a trout's diet. Its design features a buoyant foam body, rubber legs, and a realistic silhouette, ensuring it stays afloat and visible in fast-moving waters.
Known for its versatility, the Michigan Hopper excels in both still and running waters, making it a favourite among anglers. Its vibrant colours and lifelike movement trigger aggressive strikes, providing an exciting fishing experience. Perfect for targeting large, wary trout, this fly is a must-have in any angler's tackle box..
Michigan Hopper Terrestrial Trout Fishing Fly
- Fishing Techniques.
The Michigan Hopper is best used during late summer when terrestrial insects are abundant. To maximise effectiveness, cast the fly upstream and allow it to drift naturally with the current, mimicking a real grasshopper. Use a dead-drift presentation, ensuring the fly lands softly on the water to avoid spooking fish.
Employ a twitching retrieve by gently lifting the rod tip to create subtle movements, imitating a struggling insect. This can trigger aggressive strikes from trout. Fish near overhanging vegetation or grassy banks where hoppers are likely to fall into the water. Adjust your leader length to ensure a natural drift and maintain stealth to avoid alerting fish.
Key Seasons - when is this
Terrestrial Trout Fly
most effective?
The Michigan Hopper is most effective during late summer to early autumn, typically from August to September. This period coincides with terrestrial insect activity, making it an ideal time for using this fly. During these months, grasshoppers and other land-based insects are abundant, often blown onto the water by the wind, enticing trout to feed aggressively on the surface.
Optimal conditions include warm, sunny days with a slight breeze, which helps to mimic the natural movement of hoppers. Avoid using this fly during heavy rain or cold snaps, as trout are less likely to rise for surface prey.
How does the Turrall Michigan Hopper Terrestrial Trout Fly imitate a key stage in a fish's diet?
The Michigan Hopper is a terrestrial fly pattern that mimics grasshoppers, a crucial part of a trout's diet during late summer and early autumn. Grasshoppers, being land insects, often find themselves in water due to wind or misjudged jumps, making them easy prey for opportunistic trout. The fly imitates the adult stage of the grasshopper, with its bulky body and prominent legs, creating a realistic silhouette on the water's surface. Trout target these insects for their high protein content and the substantial meal they provide, making the Michigan Hopper an effective choice for anglers during this period.
Michigan Hopper Terrestrial Trout Fly expertly tied
by Turrall for maximum performance.
The Turrall Michigan Hopper Terrestrial Trout Fly is expertly tied using high-quality materials to ensure maximum performance on the water. Crafted with precision, this fly features a realistic profile that mimics natural terrestrial insects, making it irresistible to trout. The use of durable, vibrant materials ensures longevity and visibility, even in challenging conditions. Its expertly designed body and wings create a lifelike movement, enhancing its effectiveness in attracting fish. Perfect for UK anglers, this fly is a must-have in any tackle box, promising successful fishing trips with its proven track record.
Turrall Michigan Hopper Terrestrial Trout Fly TL59
- Turrall Premium Award-Winning Flies – The Best in Fly Fishing
England is the birthplace of fly fishing, and Turrall & Co. Ltd. is proud to be its longest-established company of professional fly dressers, crafting premium flies since the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, Turrall has earned prestigious recognition from The Sunday Times, Country Living Magazine, and EFTTEX – the leading European Fishing Tackle Trade Association.
Every Turrall fly is the result of traditional craftsmanship fused with modern innovation, delivering consistent, high-performance results on the water. Turrall use only the finest materials, starting with high carbon steel hooks—needle-ground, surgically sharp, and double-coated for durability. Matched with world-class feathers and furs, including
Metz Genetic Hackles where appropriate, these hand-tied patterns are trusted by fly anglers worldwide.
