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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

As many of you guys might know, the date of June 6th is the opener on many of the West side streams and rivers. Everyday is one day closer to the date.

Following the weather patterns in the weeks prior to June is a key thing for your fishing. I for one am always hoping for an early spring thaw so that the rivers I target early June are fish able, unlike last year with the hellatious rain storm the week before triggering a mass thaw blowing out most all of the fisheries. Not only that, it will also determine the flies you pack because weather is a key factor in triggering the hatches. Typically the warmer weather will bring out the dry flies, vs. colder postponing them and sticking to below the surface.

Some items you will want to remember before your season begins are first and foremost your rod and reel setup. New line is a good idea, proper maintenance on your reel, checking the eyes on your rod, and having multiple leaders, personally I go with the Umpqua 10’ tapered trout leaders in the 3 pack from sportsman’s warehouse. Other things to check are your waders, put them on and try them out in your swimming pool, or your neighbors, also your wading boots, especially the laces. Airing up the pontoon and float tube to check for leaks. Packing the rain gear is also a good idea for late spring. Another is having a wide variety of flies, because late spring weather is unpredictable and the sun could be right behind that thunderstorm. Some different stimulator s, caddis’s, mayflies, drakes, bwo’s midges, stones for the dries, and streamers, woolly buggers, egg sucking leeches, egg patterns, hairs ears, prince nymphs, and natural fly larva imitations for the sub surface. One more thing to add is to check the regulations to see what new restrictions their may be, like boundaries being changed, selective gear rules, daily and size limits on the fish.
That’s a lil insight on the preparations for the awaited season opener. We hope you take the advice, good luck, keep your lines tight. And see you on the 6th!

by Lonny Brooks aka tight-lines & Cody Lindberg aka troutbum89