By Karl Ekberg
Summertime heat has definitely been upon us for quite some time now, and we are all ready for the reprieve of the fall temperatures. Fishing for trout, of late, has been minimal through late August, with the water temperatures quite high. On the other side, the Bartram Bass & Panfish have made for great days of fishing. The top water bite has been great from mid-morning throughout the day. As the top water bite seems to subside, the use of streams has been the delight to the angler continuing to catch fish.
The extended look into the forecast for September is plentiful rain but below average temperatures, which we will all take after the summer heat. In the same outlook for September, forecasts have a below average rainfall. As we look forward to the cooler temperatures of the fall season, we will start to see the emergence of the first of the “fall bugs”. These bugs will start to appear, as the water temperatures start to drop. The rocks in the rivers are loaded with very small dark nymphs as well. Try swinging a heavy nymph with a smaller nymph dropper, through the riffle areas of the river and into the heads of the pools. Deeper runs will also produce fish, as temperatures heat up, the fish can still seek thermal refuge. As daytime temperatures heat up, the fish will move further into the depths of the rivers, so getting a bit deeper with a heavier front fly or a pinch of split shot will help greatly.
Streamers are equally productive, and will continue as well, through the fall season. With the heat of the summer behind us, a good amount of water in the rivers, and cooler temperatures, the fall fishing here looks to be excellent for another year.
For all of the fly tiers out there, we just wanted to mention that we are bringing in Barbless Hooks and have stocked many new feather selections. Stop by on your way to the river and check them out.
Let’s also remember, we can all help in keeping our rivers clean, by picking up what someone else left behind; makes for a cleaner watershed for our next visit. As we leave no trace, we look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers!
Karl and Karen Ekberg are co-owners of Chattooga River Fly Shop, located at 6832-A Highlands Hwy, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. Give them a call at (864) 638-2806 and visit their website at www.chattoogariverflyshop.com.