THE FINAL ACT OF THE SEASON
The fly fishing season is coming to an end, and this year – as always – I am hoping for some last chance at the brownie but preparing for some fantastic days fishing for the lady of the streams.
The Fall is always exciting, and it is always bringing new perspectives to my fly fishing. It’s the sad fact that the 2015 season is closing in just a month or so, but the fall always holds promises of some great days out. Here’s why I love fishing in the fall:
Nature at its beautiful – in fact at its most picturesque of the years. Nature changes clothes but most interning of all, the sounds are dampening. Birds are preparing to fly south, the insects are sparse and the fish seem to rise a little bit more carful than they used to in the heydays of summer
Mayflies turns small – This is the time for the remains of the Ignita mayfly and the second generation hatch of the Baetis Rhodani. They appear in smaller sizes than they used to, all the way down to hook size 22
Clear air and water – In fall the air gets crisp and clear. It’s like you’ll see longer and better than in the thick and warm midsummer air. It also seems that the water is calming down, and visibility is higher.
Fishing gets difficult – In fall it seems that the fish turn a bit wearier. Therefore, the tippets get thinner, down to 6X or 7X. Presentation must be perfect not to spook the fish. Small insects and thin tippets makes the choice of fly, the presentation, the float and the fight a challenge for every fly fisher.
Some of the most memorable days of the season are for me in fall. It’s strange actually, since it’s far between the big catches that we’re able to do in June and July. But the combination of the beauty of nature, the difficult fishing and just the thought that every trip might be the last for the season is probably why fall is such a great time for fly fishing.
The Rena River is one of the best rivers for Graylings in late season fishing in the world
The fall flybox
Fall is also challenging due to the lack of a decent hatch. For those not familiar with the Norwegian climate, it is important to understand that temperature can vary enormously in fall – from those Indian summer days to freezing cold ones. Winds and weather in general is unpredictable in fall.
The water temperature drops as well. This season my rivers have not been above 15 Celsius (60 F), but now in September we are lucky if the rivers climb above 10 C (50 F).
Therefore, the hatching is sparse and you’ll really have to be there when it happens. The mayflies are small (sizes 16-22) but caddis and pupas are probably the most interesting insects to imitate. Here are four go-to flies for the fall
Dyret (The Animal)
Red Tag
