Fall is magical for fly anglers
Fall, said Kevin Howell of Davidson River Outfitters (828-877-4181) in Pisgah Forest, NC, is a magical time on the rivers of western North Carolina.
“The leaves are in full color, there is a bit of a nip in the air, and the fish seem to have a sense of urgency in their feeding,” he said.
Howell offered five tips to help anglers make the most out of their fall river trips.
Flashy or vibrant-colored dry flies often work well this time of year. Examples are Orange Stimulators, Red or Orange Humpies, and Royal Wulffs.
Streamer time
Fall is most definitely streamer time. It is a known fact that trout will eat each other and other baitfish. All of the bait in the river is full grown so this is the time of the year to break out the large streamers and fish for ole Leroy Brown, the baddest trout in the river.
Take care of your toes, and don’t forget that the water is cooler now. While it may be short sleeve weather outside, the water temps are probably in the mid 40s and it does not take long for your toes to get cold. I found that a nice pair of fleece socks works great to keep your toes warm.
If leaves are choking the stream on top, then fish a single streamer below the surface, or a single nymph below the surface to avoid the pile of leaves on the surface.
Remember the windier the day, the more leaves. Fishing later in the day once the winds subside, or on calm days, will save a lot of frustration.
If you’d like to book a trip with Davidson River Outfitters, you can do so by calling 888-861-0111, or by visiting davidsonflyfishing.com. ■
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