5 Tips For Fall Fishing Stardom
By: Jake Van de Valk
1. Fish Variety of Tactics: While Dry Flies are still in play long into the fall, Streamers become increasingly effective, and nymphs are always on the menu as trout are fattening up for Autumn. Even though water may be low and clear trout become more aggressive and are likely to react to fly patterns that may not be typical for the conditions. Do you ever fish an articulated streamer in shallow riffles? You should try….
2. Give your flies movement: Adding movement to your flies (yes, dries and nymphs also) is a very important and often utilized tactic in pocket water. A tactic that is rarely utilized by anglers visiting our home waters. It is one of the most successful tweaks you can add to your strategy when dead drifting various patterns were ineffective. Before you change your fly – change how you fish it!Also, with leaves and other debris coming down into the river adding some motion or wake behind your fly helps it stand out and gives Trout something to cue in on. Last but not least = Isonychia, BWO and Caddis are strong swimmers!
3. Daytime may be Gametime! While there will still be hatches in the mornings and evenings, the combination of lower temps, and later sunrises with earlier sunsets makes the middle of the day bite that much more productive. As the season progresses the best bite window will shift later into the day after the water has had a chance to warm a few degrees. Does not always benefit the outing to get out there before the breakfast bell.
4. Be Ready to be Stealthy : The fall season can throw many curveballs. One zone your nymphing pocket water with a girdle bug or fishing a chubby, and around the next bend are fish getting techy eating Blue Winged Olives. Be ready to implement a stealthier approach with a longer leader, careful presentation (often downstream), and flies that match the hatch. It is also not uncommon to have nice fish feeding on tiny BWO in turbulent water.
5. Conditions Change Fast: Yes, this is a lame tip. BUT weather in the Adirondacks can change dramatically. Evenings are often in the 40’s and day times in the 70s and a ‘chance of rain” can mean cool showers on and off all day. We have one night in the forecast this week with a 28 degree temperature swing. Be prepared to dress warm in the am with the ability to shed LOTS of layers during the day and be ready for precipitation. When the shade lines creep back across the streambed Brrrr.
Proper Preparation = Maximum enjoyment – Albert Einstein