Every winter is different on the Fall, and we’re happy to report that there are still good numbers of fish throughout the system. These fish have seen a great number of flies at this point and consistent success can be difficult to find. The best approach to fishing the Fall right now is to focus efforts on overcast afternoons with the hope of hitting a BWO hatch. The BWO activity has been pretty sporadic, and some days that look perfect for a hatch aren’t producing much. When the bugs are out fish are actively feeding on emergers and adults, and much more susceptible to taking a fly then any other time. There just isn’t an abundance of natural food in the Fall, and holding fish won’t look at too much in the way of an artificial fly. It’s worth taking some time to hike and watch for fish that are moving to eat, whether it be subsurface or on top. If you can find a fish eating chances are they’re looking for a BWO or Midge pattern of some sort. When there isn’t much in the way of feeding activity, streamers, leech patterns, and bright attractor nymphs are the best bet.
Suggested Dries: Sparkle Dun BWO #18-20, Tilt Wing BWO #16-20, Hackle Stacker BWO #18-22, Parachute BWO #18-22, Olive Haze #16-18, Purple Haze #16-22, Nunya’s Midge #18-22, Griffith’s Gnat #18-22
Suggested Nymphs: Red or Black Winkers Midge #18-22, BWO Emerger #16-22, Red or Black Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Olive Micro Mayfly #16-20, Black or Olive Tailwater Tiny #18-22, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Black Lightning Bug #16-20, WD-50 #18-20