A Fly Fisher’s Autumn 

Although it’s possible to fly fish for trout in our region pretty much the year around, the onset of cooler weather in late Summer signals the final act of the fishing season for many of us. There are, of course, anglers for whom the prime season of mayfly, caddis, and stonefly hatches during April, May, and June comprise the entire fly fishing season. Once summer weather arrives they are done for the year. For those who enjoy more diversity in their fishing, there is summer fishing for bass and panfish, or maybe trout fishing with terrestrials, or meeting early-morning Trico spinner falls. And if you fish through the summer, you will almost certainly fish during the autumn as well. 

Autumn fishing is defined by one major event—leaf fall. That’s why “fall” is a synonym for autumn. As with so many natural phenomena, leaf fall does not have a well-defined beginning and end. Fallen leaves begin to show up in our streams as early as mid-September. The quantity progressively increases, with peak leaf fall typically occurring some time during the latter part of October. At times the surface of the stream can be virtually carpeted in leaves. In November the quantity of floating leaves gradually decreases. 

“Leaf pack” forms on the upstream side of rocks, stacks of leaves neatly deposited by the current like pages in a book. This is an important process in the stream ecosystem, as some of the solar energy that the trees absorbed and stored in their leaves now enters the aquatic food chain. The leaves are first colonized by microscopic diatoms, then they are shredded by various nymphs and larvae, which in turn are eaten by both trout and other fishes. It’s interesting to pick up a stack of leaf pack and page through it, you’ll get to see some of the shredders in their element. By spring the leaf pack is virtually gone, having been absorbed by the stream and its resident creatures. 

Pre-leaf-fall is a great time to be out fishing. Cooler water temperatures invigorate the trout that were able to survive the hot summer weather, and cooler air temperatures invigorate the angler! The trout feed actively on terrestrial insects and minnows, both of which are at peak abundance at this time of year, and also take advantage of the relatively few hatches of aquatic insects that occur during the autumn. Trout become increasingly aggressive at this time, and their colors brighten as they come into spawning condition. Some care is needed in approach and presentation, however, as streams will be low and clear except following a significant rainfall event. Fishing the water in a more or less random fashion, as you might do in springtime, will often result in more trout spooked than caught. Patient, watchful waiting and careful stalking, however, will reveal potential targets. Then the right fly, well-presented, will bring the desired result a good percentage of the time. 

Most anglers take a break during peak leaf-fall, when virtually every cast results in a snagged leaf or, as my good friend Margaret Clarke used to call them, “a brown non-swimmer.” But the trout are still there and still feeding. The blanket of leaves forms a mobile mat of floating cover, and the fish are actually easier to approach as this concealment makes them feel more secure from predators. The best strategy I’ve found for these conditions is, once again, to locate a target—a rising trout. I like to fish a good-sized terrestrial pattern—a beetle, cricket, wasp, or hopper. The fly should be large enough to make a slight plop when it hits the water. A size 12 black or brown foam beetle is a good choice, and a bright spot on its back will make it easier for you to see. If your flies don’t have a “sighter dot,” it’s easy to add one with a small dot of fabric paint. Or you can glue a small piece of contrasting sheet foam to the top of the fly. Cast your fly above your target, remembering that the trout always faces up-current and his feeding station may be two or three feet upstream of where you see the rise form. If you cast to the rise form, your fly may land behind the trout and he may not see it. If your fly lands on a leaf, simply twitch it off. If the fish sees it, he will probably take it. Be ready. 

To avoid frustration, this fishing does require an attitude adjustment. It’s really more hunting then fishing, and requires a higher degree of patience. Each cast should be viewed as a discrete act, which will either result in a fish eating the fly or a snagged leaf. If the former, rejoice and congratulate yourself on a job well done. If the latter, clean your hook, regroup, and prepare to take another shot. Fly fishing really is a metaphor for life, isn’t it?

Post-leaf-fall fishing remains good. If it’s not too cold for you to be out there, it surely won’t be too cold for the trout. By now the trout have begun spawning activities, even in streams where, alas, that will not be successful. Stray eggs are in the drift, and trout are not above a bit of cannibalism of one another’s eggs. In fact, my experience indicates that they particularly relish this readily available source of high-quality protein that’s so easy to exploit. This is the time to fish a Glo-Bug or other egg pattern. Of course the preferred method is to fish your fly dead-drift, but I’ve had trout follow and ultimately take an egg pattern swinging across current at the end of a drift too many times to discount the possibility. 

If you don’t care for this approach, by autumn the nymphs that are the progeny of the spring hatches have grown to a size large enough to be of interest to the trout. Generic patterns like a Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail in small to medium sizes will also bring plenty of strikes, and Wooly Buggers and other streamers can also be effective.
I hope you will go out and do some trout fishing this fall, on club outings or on your own. Keep your fly line wet and tight!

--Mary S. Kuss--
Fall 2005 Issue