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Winter fishing is finally upon us here in the great Northwest. The weather can change in a blink of an eye with temperatures dropping below freezing and water levels can change drastically within a couple of hours. Fishing conditions become more and more dangerous as the winter days go by. Being prepared for these conditions will make your next outing much more safe and enjoyable.

First things first, you need to wear a good set of thermal layers and warm socks for they keep your body heat in the best. If you are going to be wading make sure you buy a good set of waders, I regrettably know firsthand that buying a cheap set of waders can make a great fishing trip miserable. If you are not wading try to have a good warm pair of water proof pants. At last make sure you have a nice durable warm coat that is also water proof.

Water conditions will be very dangerous this time of year. Before wading make sure you test the depth and the current of the river. If possible try to use a walking stick for extra support while crossing. One slip could not only ruin a whole fishing trip but put your life in immediate danger. If you are not sure that it is safe then do not do it. Take every precaution possible to make your next fishing trip safe.

We all get pumped and let our minds fill with excitement when the fishing is going to get good but we also need to be extra careful out there, especially now. I hope everyone has an awesome winter of fishing and keeps those lines tight!

Well, summer has come to a close, but good trout fishing sure hasn’t. Deer season is one of my favorite times of year to head out to my favorite trout streams, with opening weekend of rifle season being the best. My number one reason for loving this time of year is the lack of company. Sure, sometimes it’s nice to see other people on the water, to swap secrets with, brag to, or to pick up on certain techniques of the old guys, but after a summer of seeing people everywhere, it’s definitely nice to have some time on the water to yourself.

The weather has cooled down, but in many places the fishing is still hot, and will continue to be that way for most of the fall. This is also a great time to fish patterns specific to the fall, like the October Caddis. As the name suggests this huge caddis is prolific in October, but you’ll also see them throughout September and into November.

This is one of my favorite flies to throw, because it’s huge size and similarity to the stonefly, which is my all-time favorite pattern. Throwing these flies will usually produce bigger fish, which are looking to fatten up on protein rich bugs, those that diminish during the cold winter months.

Autumn also produces hatches of flies that are common throughout the rest of the year like the Blue Winged Olive, and Quills. The Quills, though, have changed color from a standard blue to dark blue and chocolate. Although not all rivers get these hatches, you’d be surprised to find that maybe the next river or stream over is seeing tons of them.

This time of year is also great for targeting bull trout. These big fish spawn in October through November, and also follow other spawning fish such as kokanee. Egg patterns and big bunny leaches are great patterns to throw at these voracious predators, and they’ll put up a fight like no other trout you’ll find around here.

The fall season though, does have some downsides. The number one is that for the most part the rivers and streams are low and clear, which makes for spookier fish. Another downside is the distance between fish because they are moving so much. Sometimes fish will school up in deeper water, but if you spook one, you usually spook them all. But there are upsides to these downsides. With rivers being low and clear, sight fishing is a lot easier, and is one of the most fun ways to target and catch fish. And with fish being schooled up, you have a better chance of one of the fish seeing and taking an interest in your presentation, that is, if they don’t spook. So when confronted with these conditions, definitely go with a ten foot, lighter leader. If fish still spook to a seamless cast, they’re probably seeing your line. Now it’s time to break out the sharpie and color ten to twenty feet of your floating line (you’re going to buy new line in the spring anyways, right?).

So get out there this deer season and experience some of the best trout fishing of the year. Don’t forget to move around, just because you don’t see fish, doesn’t mean they’re gone. Throw some patterns you’re not used to throwing, but don’t forget about the trusty standbys. Good luck and good fishing.

Your Local Fishin’ Addict The Troutbum89