Over the past week we have experienced a taste of Autumn. Temps dropped, with some days not reaching the 50 degree mark. We got our first snow of the year, and correspondingly our first frost. Some trees and willows are starting to change colors (I’m not ready for that!): bowhunting, and bird hunting are beginning to enter into the nightly conversations more than going back over the days fishing.
What the weather has done for the fishing is good. Those gray days we had last week saw Psuedo’s on the surface by the millions, the apperance of a larger, olivish mayfly that I don’t feel confident calling a baetis, and a fair amount of caddis flitting about.
Some of the rising fish are a pain, eating just subsurface. Your best bet is to throw something at them, but expect for them to ignore it. Again, find the fish that are showing the cotton white of their mouth and fish to them. They will be eager to eat your bug with a good presentation.
Folks have been succesful with caddis patterns on those fish that are up and in rhythm. A purple haze or a parachute adams is also a good choice.
Nymphing has been really good-fish are holding in seams and along rock banks. I’ve been running a shorter rig, and just about anywhere there’s a fast and soft edge I’ve been finding fish eating. There is a wide variety of nymph patterns that are productive right now. Black zebra midges (sometimes red), little green machines, red-headed step child, mat’s autocad, crayfish, the worm, czech nymphs, peep show, olive wd-40’s, etc, etc…
Streamer fishing is an option, not your most productive, but it’ll work if properly commited to.
Caddis eating brown
Things are starting to get really good here, light pressure, and great fishing, call now to reserve your room or your guide! 406-235-4350!–Matt
Leave A Comment