The big broodstock that were put in the Fall have certainly received a lot of attention from anglers looking to tangle with fish that can be well over 20 inches. As a result, many of the larger fish have become a little more wary but we are still receiving several reports of consistent action and big fish. As the fish become a little more wary, we like to target them with dries to achieve the lightest presentation possible while avoiding snags and submerged timber. We’ve seen more BWOs with the cooling weather, and there are still a few PMDs around, so make sure to have a decent selection of small Mayfly dries. There is typically better insect activity on calm, overcast days, and fish are typically more willing to come to the surface when they aren’t in direct sunlight. Small streamers or leech patterns can also be effective when targeting the large fish in the Fall, a well placed Wooly Bugger can initiate a reaction strike when fish are otherwise unwilling to eat. Standard nymphing techniques are the best bet for maximizing action, small Mayfly and Midge patterns have been our top producers.
Suggested Dries: Tilt Wing BWO #16-22, Sparkle Dun BWO #16-22, Carlson’s Olive Haze #16-22, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Tilt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Purple Haze #16-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, CDC Flying Ant #16, Black or Cinnamon Flying Ant #16, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #14-16
Suggested Nymphs: Black or Red Zebra Midge #18-22, Black or Red Winkers Midge #18-22, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Real Hare’s Ear #14-18, Olive or Hare’s Ear Anato-May #14-20, Olive Micro Mayfly #16-20, Red Copper John #14-18, Copper Microstone #14-18, San Juan Worm #14, Tan or Grey Ray Charles #16-18