Best Time: Afternoon-Evening
Surface Temp: 80F
Clarity: Tannic, 18”
Fly fishing in the Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, the fish are pretty strict to a pattern but whenever you find out exactly how they want it then your in for an amazing day if fly fishing.
Tips: Downsize your fly patterns to match the hatch, instead of number two Clousers throw size sixes. The fish will congregate around the outflow of moving water and there will be a constant supply of food and the fish know that. Don’t drift too close to the current this could spook the fish. Cloudy days are great streamer fishing as the bass are more active than on sunny days.
Techniques: This time of year the fish are feeding to fatten back up from the grueling summer and to prepare for the cold winter. With the above average temperatures and constant storms, the fish have stayed close to the flowing water whether that be from canals, creeks, or culvert pipes. The higher water levels have caused increased water flows and this pushes bait into ambush zones. When fishing the moving water don’t be afraid to stay there and fish for a little while. Keep drifting your fly through the current and also in the slack areas around the pipe or canal mouth. The water levels also push the bass shallow early in the morning. Frog patterns have been very successful causing some awesome blow ups. With topwater fly choices, stick to frog patterns both popper style and diving. The diving patterns work well with a slow retrieve or swimming it just underneath the surface depending on how aggressive the bass is. When its overcast the bass tend to want to chase prey since they feel safer from predators and have the advantage over prey in these adverse conditions. Those diving frogs or small white streamers are perfect for the more active bass. When it’s sunny its best to slow it down and pick apart structure rather than cover water. Pay extra attention to grass lines and hardcover on sunny days when the bass don’t chase as much. The bluegill action has still been very good. With Popper Dropper rigs still being the best bet. Brighter colored topwaters in chartreuse, blue, or orange in a size 10 with a size 12 or smaller hares ear or pheasant tail trailed behind it. Also, they have been munching the small streamers as well. When they are around hardcover, it has been docks, the less grass the better. They are also around the flowing water to eating the same flies as the bass. Using small nymphs without an indicator or popper can be deadly as well since you can allow these flies to fall deeper. Damselfly nymphs and pheasant tails are always productive.
Submitted by: Hunter Towery
Peace Creek Guide Service
863-837-7028