Recent drops in temperature and fluctuations in flow have trout acting more like their winter selves. You’ll find them holding in deep pools or softer water conserving energy for the colder months to come. Due to this change in their behavior, a different approach and smaller flies are often required to get fish to eat. The warmest part of the day and into the evening will be the most productive, so getting out super early isn’t necessary.
Nymphing will be productive, as most fish are holding deep with our recent weather. This time of year, we are fishing smaller nymphs; most of the nymphs are in the 14-18 size range except for the larger, more mature stoneflies. Pairing a small nymph with a larger, heavier one can help get your flies deeper where fish are holding this time of year. “Jigged Berry’s PCP” #16, “Jigged Rainbow Warrior” #16, ”, “Jigged Sassi’s Solution” #16, or “BH Lighting Bug #16 all make great options for smaller nymphs. For larger nymphs imitating stoneflies, “Streb’s Lazy J Stone” #10, ” #8, “Jigged D-Rib Stonefly” #10, or a “Pat’s Rubber Legs” #8-12 work great. A size 16 “Split Case BWO” paired with a small green soft hackle can be productive when swung during the warmer parts of the day.
Fishing dry flies can still work this time of year, but you have to time it right, and have the right conditions. During the middle of the day, there’s a good chance of a blue wing olive hatch. There is a greater chance of this on particularly warm days. When these small mayflies are coming off, a size 16-18 mayfly pattern will be appropriate. “Morrish May Day” #17-19, “Almost Dun” #18, and the “Hatchmaster BWO” #16-18 are great options. If these are too small to see, consider tagging one 14-18 inches behind a larger fly. There are lingering October caddis, so using a large October caddis imitation to help you locate your smaller blue winged olive can be helpful when its too small to spot. An “Orange Stimulator” #12, “J’s October Hi-Tie Caddis” #10-12, or “Morrish’s October Caddis” #8 are all great October caddis imitations. These can produce big eats closer to dusk.
Both of our local rivers, the Mckenzie and the Middle Fork Willamette are in good shape to fish. The Mckenzie is low and the Willamette is stabilizing after high water, but is still fishable. Both systems will produce fish this time of year, you might just have to take a different approach with this colder weather. Have fun out there!
