Fall Fishing Tips · Fly Guide · How To · Sep 26, 2024

Fall Fly Fishing Guide: Key Hatches & Essential Flies

As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the crispness of fall, fly fishing enters one of its most exciting and rewarding seasons. Cooler temperatures, lower water levels, and shifting insect activity make autumn an ideal time to be on the water. Trout become more active, feeding aggressively to bulk up before winter, and some species, like brown trout, prepare for their annual spawn. For fly anglers, this means an opportunity to catch some of the largest and most responsive fish of the year.

However, the key to fall fly fishing success lies in adapting to the changing environment. Insect hatches are different from the summer months, and trout behavior is influenced by cooler water and shorter days. Whether you're targeting big browns gearing up for their fall spawn or capitalizing on the last major hatches of the year, understanding fall hatches and matching your flies to these conditions is critical.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top fall hatches you’re likely to encounter, offer expert recommendations on the best flies to use, and share tips to maximize your success during this dynamic season.

Understanding Fall Hatches

Fall represents a transition period for both fish and insects. As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, some aquatic insects go into a final feeding frenzy before hibernation or laying eggs. Trout, in turn, become more aggressive, bulking up for winter and responding to the abundant food supply. Unlike summer, where fast, light presentations dominate, fall fly fishing requires a slower, more thoughtful approach, with attention to matching the subtle and unique hatches of the season.

Top Fall Hatches and Best Flies to Use

1. Blue Wing Olive (Baetis)

Perhaps the most consistent hatch during fall, Blue Wing Olives (BWO) are small mayflies that can emerge even on the coldest of fall days. These bugs are prevalent in late September through November, often hatching during overcast or rainy afternoons. Trout will rise steadily for BWOs, especially in slower pools and tailwaters.


BWO Parachute	Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail	Beadhead BWO Emerger

When to Expect: September through November, particularly on cloudy days
Best Flies to Use:
- BWO Parachute (Sizes 16-22): A versatile dry fly, perfect for imitating adult BWOs on the surface.
- Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail (Size 16-18): A highly effective nymph pattern to imitate the subsurface stage of the Blue Wing Olive.
- Beadhead BWO Emerger (Sizes 18-22): Fish this in the film or just under the surface to imitate emerging duns.

2. October Caddis

As the name suggests, October Caddis hatch primarily during October, providing some of the biggest fall meals for trout. These large, orange-bodied caddisflies are hard to miss, making them a favorite among anglers and trout alike. Their skittering behavior and large size provoke aggressive takes, particularly from large, pre-spawn brown trout.


Orange Foam Stimulator	Beadhead Hare’s Ear Flashback	Caddis Pupa

When to Expect: Mid-September through late October
Best Flies to Use:
- Orange Foam Stimulator (Sizes 8-12): A great dry fly that imitates the adult October Caddis, perfect for skating or dead-drifting across the surface.
- Beadhead Hare’s Ear Flashback (Sizes 12-16): This nymph pattern is great for fishing subsurface or when trout are targeting October Caddis pupa.
- Caddis Pupa (Sizes 14-18): Excellent when fished as a dropper below a larger dry fly or on its own in deep pools.

3. Mahogany Dun

Mahogany Duns are medium-sized mayflies that appear in the fall, primarily from late September through October. They can be found on slow-moving sections of streams, and trout seem to key in on these duns as much as they do BWOs, especially on cloudy days.


Mahogany Dun Parachute	Brown Emerger	Beadhead Callibaetis

When to Expect: Late September through October
Best Flies to Use:
- Mahogany Dun Parachute (Sizes 14-18): A top dry fly to match the adult stage of this hatch.
- Brown Emerger (Sizes 16-18): Fish this pattern just below the surface film during the hatch for trout keying in on emerging insects.
- Beadhead Callibaetis (Sizes 16-18): A reliable subsurface pattern to imitate the Mahogany Dun nymph stage.

4. Midges

As temperatures drop further in late fall, midges become the primary food source for trout. These tiny insects are active throughout the year but become especially important in late fall and winter. Fishing midge patterns requires finesse and small flies, but can be extremely productive, especially on tailwaters.


Griffith’s Gnat	Zebra Midge	Berger's Badger Gnat

When to Expect: October through winter
Best Flies to Use:
- Griffith’s Gnat (Sizes 18-24): A classic dry fly that imitates midge clusters on the surface.
- Zebra Midge (Sizes 18-24): A versatile midge pupa pattern that can be fished subsurface in various colors like black, red, or olive.
- Berger's Badger Gnat (Sizes 18-24): This emerger pattern works great when fished in the film or as a dropper below a larger dry fly.

Streamers and Terrestrials: Fall Fishing Game-Changers

While matching fall hatches is important, don’t overlook the power of streamers and terrestrials during the autumn months. As brown trout begin their pre-spawn aggression, they become more responsive to larger, meatier meals. However, in fall, downsizing your streamers can often yield better results. Smaller streamers mimic baitfish or juvenile trout, making them particularly appealing to big, aggressive trout without overwhelming them in cooler waters.

Streamers

Fall is prime time for streamer fishing, especially if you're targeting large, aggressive brown trout. Smaller streamers, in particular, mimic baitfish or even smaller trout, enticing predatory strikes. Fish these patterns in deeper pools, around structure, or in undercut banks for the best results.


Conehead Muddler Minnow	Circus Peanut	Zonker

Best Streamers to Use:
- Conehead Muddler Minnow (Sizes 6-10): Imitates small baitfish and works great in both rivers and lakes. Its versatility and subtle movement make it a great fall option.
- Circus Peanut (Sizes 4-8): A favorite for big browns, this articulated streamer gets deep and triggers aggressive strikes, especially when retrieved slowly.
- Zonker (Sizes 6-10): With its lifelike motion, this pattern works great for imitating sculpins or small trout. It’s especially effective in deep, fast water.

Terrestrials

Though the days are cooler, terrestrials like ants, beetles, and hoppers can still bring trout to the surface, especially during the warmer parts of the day. These flies remain effective as long as temperatures are mild, and trout are willing to rise for these larger meals.


Chernobyl Ant	Snake River Beetle	Black Ant

Best Terrestrials to Use:
- Chernobyl Ant (Sizes 8-12): This foam-bodied fly makes an excellent hopper or beetle imitation, floating well and attracting trout in slower water. Its durability makes it a go-to choice for fall fishing.
- Snake River Beetle (Sizes 10-14): Fish this pattern near banks or under overhanging trees to tempt trout on sunny fall afternoons. The realistic beetle profile makes it irresistible to opportunistic trout.
- Black Ant (Sizes 14-18): A reliable choice for trout feeding on ants late into the season. Fish this fly near the surface on calm days for best results.

Key Fall Fly Fishing Tips

Be Prepared for Cooler Weather: Fall fishing means colder mornings and evenings. Dress in layers, wear proper insulation, and bring along hand warmers or a thermos of coffee for those brisk dawn hours.
Slow Down Your Presentation: As water temperatures drop, trout become more lethargic. Slower drifts and thoughtful presentations will often outproduce quick casts.
Fish the Right Time of Day: Unlike summer, when the best fishing is often early or late in the day, fall fishing can be most productive during mid-day, when temperatures are warmer, and insect activity peaks.
Focus on Deeper Water: With lower water levels, fish tend to congregate in deeper pools and runs. Target these areas with nymphs, streamers, or emergers.

Fall is a magical time to be on the water. The changing landscape, crisp air, and aggressive trout all combine to make for unforgettable days on the river. By understanding the unique hatches of the season and using the right flies, you’ll increase your chances of landing quality fish during this exciting time. Whether you're fishing a delicate BWO hatch or stripping streamers for trophy browns, fall fly fishing offers something for every angler.

So grab your gear, tie on your best fall patterns, and get ready to enjoy one of the finest seasons in fly fishing!