What do tye for fall fishing??

In Aroostook County our fishing has come to an end in August…….to return momentarily in September. A week or two of less than stellar action, most anglers just skip. Low water has heated the rivers and streams to the point that it’s more like bath water than fish water. The coming of September is cooling time. Fishing for the freezer legally ceases at month’s end. But a few die-hards stick it out and fish through the “Catch and Release” season through October and into December.

Fishing comes back to life in October and into November, the spawning season! Brookies seem to know that food is about to run out and they eat ravinously. Bugs are gone as the frosts come and the “Bens 100″ gets put away for the year. The water rises with the fall rains and spring-like floods are common. The conditions are a challenge most can not handle. But a few of us have learned the tricks and techniques of fall. The “Czech Nymphing” and the streamer dashes of “Feeding Frenzy”. The “Dead Drift” and the “Dragonfly Skitter”.

This is the days of deep water fishing and dredging for Spawners and prespawners. Every spring hole of depth hides a fat brookie who seeks a mate for the gravel bar shuffle. They are far less selective than in the spring or early summer. But are still brookies and will not hit just anything. My favorite flies all have white in them and a touch of orange. The best fly I have ever used is a wet fly called “Trout Fin”. These fall fish love to eat there own it seems. This cannibal pattern is highly effective if you target brown trout as well. I fish these flies in tandems. I select a bright colored nymph, beadhead or flashback. To which I add the “Trout Fin” or similar pattern. Now I keep them about a foot apart, and no more. These flies are drifted through the selected holes and do a great job of pulling the cooled water brookies out of their holes.
Do you have a favorite fall pattern? Like to share? Post your comment……..love to hear from you!!!!