It’s officially fall, which means things are finally cooling down across the country. Water levels are relatively low and the days are getting shorter, but the fishing is heating up.
There’s a lot to love about fly fishing in the fall including throwing streamers to aggressive trout, tossing big mayfly imitations in the riffles hoping for a take and fishing tiny midges to slowly sipping fish.
Here are some tips to consider this fall:
- Be stealthy. Water levels are getting lower by the day and making a lot of noise in the water or having the sun behind you is likely to spook fish. Even walking along the river the other day I was spooking baitfish left and right. Be stealthy.
- Tippet down for nymphs and dry flies. Fish in tailwaters were hit extra hard this year so perfect presentations and lighter tippet are a must. If you’re not getting takes while nymphing or throwing dries, make sure you’re using lighter tippet. It could make all the difference.
- Fish a Dry/Dropper rig if you see suspended trout. Fish are looking up in the fall, but they aren’t always willing to eat a big dry fly. Fishing a dropper 1-3 feet below your dry fly will get you takes on and beneath the surface.
- Look for fish. I have seen fish feed in some interesting ways during the fall. With low, clear water you can see fish and they can see you. Casting upstream or across the river to a fish you have spotted is a great option this time of year. A solid pair of polarized glasses will also help your cause.
- Throw streamers! I used to be guilty of not streamer fishing enough, but if you fish in the morning, evening, or in the shade you won’t only get takes, but you might even see the fish move to eat your meaty offering. The tug is the drug. Try this pattern, especially the articulated version.
- Change up your retrieve if you’re fishing streamers in fishy looking water and not getting takes. Fish sometimes want to see your streamer look vulnerable. Tossing your fly and moving it as fast as possible is not always the best option, let it swing. Or, let it sink in a hole before slowly moving/retrieving it. Mix it up!
- Put an egg on. I love fishing eggs in the winter, but since the browns are now spawning, some very large rainbows will be looking for their eggs. Give them a shot.
- Go small. Most of the big mayfly hatches are over for the year so fish smaller dry flies and nymphs. I am a huge fan of the Bubble Back Midge or the Chocolate Thunder during the fall while nymphing. If you tie flies, make the Chocolate Thunder in black as well.
- Hike to fish. I love fly fishing in the fall, but so does everyone else. If you see multiple cars at your favorite fishing spot, try someplace else. Hike to find new water and enjoy all of the amazing things that fall fishing has to offer and don’t forget to look up.
- Enjoy yourself. Fall fishing is some of the last warm weather fishing we’ll have until 2027 so get out there and have fun.
Take care and tight lines!
