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The grasshopper hatch is on at Willow Creek Reservoir. As we stepped out of the car, hundreds of grasshoppers took to the air. Many were blown into the water and away from shore. The choice of fly pattern was quickly resolved and, due to the windy conditions, Kim opted for the old fly and bubble rigging with our ultralight spinning rods.

The wind on the point where we fished was blowing a cloud of grasshoppers offshore, forming a chum line where hungry trout were feeding. We were able to cast our flies out to this feeding area and get strikes. Kimball landed a couple of rainbows while I was rigging up my spinning rod after an unsuccessful attempt with my flyrod to cast to the action in the wind. The wind eventually died off and the chum line disappeared as the feeding frenzy ended. Fun while it lasted! Here’s a really short video of the hopper hatch. Kim’s fishing cap blew off in the wind-this is her “wild woman” hair style.