October can make you Think

Posted by rusty on October 8, 2010

     It was one of those October mornings that I could’ve been in the treestand with the bow, but decided on trying my luck with the fly rod instead.  It was a chilly 42 degrees when I got to the stream but the forecast was calling for 70 by days end.  I started my day with a tandem rig that produced a few trout early, but not in the numbers I was hoping to land. 

     The sun was bright and unobstructed on the blue bird day, no clouds to speak of meant a stealthy approach was going to be key.  As I made my way up the stream I realized that the amount of fish I may catch could be a low number, man these fish were being picky.  I guess that’s what makes fly fishing so much damn fun.  Pattern after pattern, I was unable to find that real producer of the day.  I continued on my way picking up a fish on this fly, a fish on that fly, and working really hard to get them to take my offerings.  Confused I kept trying various patterns til I stumbled onto the “hot” fly of the day, the Caddis!

     So, I had thought about trying a caddis emerger/pupa at the beginning of the day, but for some reason strayed away from it.  Well let me tell you, better late than not at all!  I absolutely started to pick fish up left and right with this fly!  It was a size #16 cream caddis emerger trailing behind a size #18 beadhead pheasant tail and I was having a blast. 

     It always leaves me baffled how some days these fish will give you good times to well placed and presented flies and other days they want something special.  Today it was a caddis that stole the show.  I was catching some really nice fish when I arrived to a nice turbulent run that was sure to hold some trout.  After a few cast I hooked my biggest fish of the day, a nice 22″ rainbow with beautiful colors showing off  his broad sides.  This fish managed to escape me before I could steal a photo, but I took a mental image! 

     I continued to fish and came upon a great looking section of stream.  I approached it with caution since the sun was now high and bright and it paid off.  Wow, what a great little riffle I came across.  I caught upwards of a dozen fish in this one riffle alone and several nice browns cooperated perfectly.  This one specific brown was about 17″ and had some shoulders to him that made for a great fight on my 5 weight.  After releasing this bruiser I opted to try a few more drifts and call it a day.

     Today was a learning experience for me, as is everyday with the fly rod, but today the fish were very choosy in their feeding habits.  I did catch fish on about 5 different flies today, but the caddis saved the day.  If I wouldn’t have stumbled onto the caddis it still would’ve been a good day, but it made it a great day that will be stuck upstairs for awhile. 

     Basically what I learned today is that no matter what you think, the trout are usually thinking the opposite.  Most days on the water are always a plus, but when it all clicks, that’s what makes it magical.  Those of you that are hardcore fly fisherman know what I’m talking about, those that don’t, just trust me!!!

     And as for now and always, ” Tight Lines”

     Rusty Foreman