If you know what you’re doing, Fall can be one of the most epic fly fishing seasons of the year. So, if you are a beginner, or just looking to up your game, here are a few Fall fly fishing tips to catch more fish when the leaves start changing.
1. Focus On Terrestrials
Have you ever walked through an open field in September? Did you notice how many grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and crickets there are everywhere? These are known as terrestrials, and fish go crazy on them in early fall. So, I highly recommend throwing one on the end of your line.
I don’t know if there is a more fun fly fishing experience than watching a fish hammer a size 6 hopper, or an Amy’s Ant. It’s something to behold.
2. Throw On a Streamer Now And Again
As summer comes to a close, Brown Trout begin to spawn. And when they do, they get more territorial. So, when they see a little minnow messing around, they are more likely to announce their presence with authority.
In other words, throw on a streamer in Fall.
3. Fish Late-Morning
As the cool fall mornings replace the warmth of summer, fish tend to feed a little later in the morning. So, don’t worry about getting out on the water too early. In my experience, on fall days, fish start to get active around 10AM.
Winter Fly Fishing
For those that are new to the sport, Winter might seem like a poor choice for fly fishing. I mean, who would honestly want to stand in the middle of a river, casting a fly rod on a day when the highest temperature is still less than freezing? Well, me, and a whole ton of other fly fishermen and women that love fishing without the mid-summer crowds.
Besides that, there are so many warm weather, saltwater fly fishing destinations that offer incredible opportunities for bonefish, permit, and a number of other hard-fighting fish. So, even if cold weather fishing in a high-mountain stream sounds miserable to you, all you really have to do is hop on a flight, and spend a week fishing on the beach.
Winter fly fishing is starting to sound pretty good. Right?
Tips For The Winter Fly Fishing Season
Now, for most people, winter is more about skiing than it is fly fishing fishing. But I can tell you from personal experience, that it is great for both. In fact, on multiple occasions, I have participated in both activities in the same day. So, in an effort to equip you for this wonderful adventure, here are a few winter fly fishing tips.
Warmth = Enjoyment
There’s nothing good about freezing your butt off in the middle of a river. So, if you want to enjoy winter fly fishing, bundle up in layers. You can always remove a layer or two if you get too hot in the middle of the day. But, if you don’t bring enough warm clothing, you are less likely to enjoy the experience.
Final Thoughts
With the right know-how, fly fishing can be a year round sport. Sure, it might be easiest to fish in the warm weather of Summer, but each season comes with its own unique fly fishing opportunities. I just hope the tips in this article will help you make the most out of every one.
