The Fall Run
It’s that exciting time of year again—the fall salmon run. Anglers are still buzzing about last year’s spectacular run, marked by unusually low water flow, which brought both challenges and triumphs. However, this fall presents a new set of obstacles that every angler must navigate.
Successfully adapting your fishing techniques to varying water levels, temperatures, and the diverse species of fish will be crucial for achieving consistent results. With conditions constantly changing, having a flexible approach can make all the difference in your catch.
This guide will provide essential fall fishing tips tailored for targeting salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. With the right strategies in hand, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the season’s challenges and increase your chances of landing those trophy fish that make fall fishing so exhilarating.
Fall Salmon Fishing Tips
Tip 1: Fish In The Morning And The Afternoon
As early fall approaches, water temperatures become a significant factor in the success of your salmon fishing. When the water remains warm, it can slow down salmon runs and reduce their willingness to strike at flies or lures. Understanding this behavior is key to optimizing your fishing efforts.
To increase your chances of success, focus your fishing activities during the cooler parts of the day—typically in the early morning and late afternoon. During these times, water temperatures are lower, creating more favorable conditions for salmon activity. Additionally, reduced light levels during these periods help keep the fish calm, as they are less likely to be spooked by bright sunlight illuminating the pools.
By adapting your fishing schedule to align with these cooler, low-light conditions, you’ll enhance your chances of enticing early run salmon to bite. Prioritizing these optimal times can lead to a more fruitful and enjoyable fishing experience.
Tip 2: Salmon Like Flies With Movement
When it comes to choosing flies for salmon fishing, the topic can become overwhelmingly complex. However, I prefer to keep it simple. Through years of experience, I’ve learned that salmon are most responsive to flies that exhibit a lively movement, mimicking the natural behavior of prey.
Effective Fly Patterns
While egg patterns are incredibly popular among salmon anglers, it’s important to remember that when salmon first enter the river system, there are typically no eggs present. This means that early in the run, egg patterns may not be as effective. Instead, I recommend using wooly buggers and bunny flies during this time. These flies not only imitate the movement that salmon are attracted to, but they are also straightforward to tie and can be fished successfully with minimal technique.
- Wooly Buggers: These versatile flies create enticing movement in the water, making them an excellent choice when targeting early run salmon. They can mimic a variety of prey, making them adaptable for different conditions.
- Bunny Flies: Known for their lifelike action, bunny flies can be incredibly effective in capturing the attention of salmon. Their fluffy texture and movement in the water can trigger instinctive strikes.
Tip 3: Try Fishing The Pocket Water
It’s not uncommon for salmon to retreat into the deeper waters of pools and become inactive for several days. This behavior can be attributed to various factors, including rising water temperatures, declining water flows, or even heavy fishing pressure from other anglers. When salmon seek refuge in the deep, clear waters of a pool, they may remain there for an extended period, significantly reducing their willingness to bite.
Strategies for Targeting Active Salmon
Instead of focusing solely on these deep pools, the best approach is to bypass them and direct your efforts toward the pocket water located between pools. Pocket water refers to the turbulent, shallow areas between deeper pools that provide suitable habitat for active fish. Here are some reasons why pocket water can be more productive during these periods:
- Increased Activity: Salmon in pocket water are often more active, as they are less likely to be affected by the stagnation seen in deeper pools. They may be actively feeding on smaller baitfish or responding to natural currents.
- Reduced Fishing Pressure: These areas typically receive less fishing pressure compared to the popular pools, giving you a better chance to encounter salmon that are more willing to take a fly.
- Easier Access: Pocket water is generally easier to access for anglers, allowing for more effective casting and presentation techniques.
Fall Steelhead Fishing
Tip 1: Swinging Flies for Early Steelhead
In the early stages of the steelhead run, the fish are often scarce, making it essential to cover a lot of water. During this time, swinging flies can be your best approach. Steelhead are typically more aggressive and willing to chase a fly in the cooler water temperatures, so using a swinging technique allows you to effectively present your flies across various currents and depths. This method not only increases your chances of encountering a steelhead but also helps you identify the most productive water.
Tip 2: Target the Heads of Pools
When steelhead numbers are low, it’s crucial to maximize your efficiency on the water. Focus your efforts on the heads of pools, where steelhead are most likely to be found. These areas often serve as transitional points where fish wait to move upstream. By narrowing your search to these strategic locations, you increase your chances of hooking into a steelhead while minimizing wasted casts in less productive areas.
Tip 3: Employing a Strike Indicator
When steelhead are keying in on eggs, using a strike indicator can significantly enhance your success. Strike indicators serve as effective drift management devices, allowing for precise presentations in the current. Steelhead often position themselves in small slots where eggs are funneled naturally, and maintaining a clean drift down the center of these slots can lead to more consistent hookups. The visual cue provided by the indicator makes it easier to detect subtle takes, increasing your chances of landing fish.
Tip 4: Set Your Drag Light
Fall steelhead are known for their explosive runs when hooked, which is a big part of the thrill of targeting these fish. However, this explosive nature can also lead to lost fish if you’re not careful. During the initial moments after hooking a steelhead, they can make swift and powerful runs that might break heavy tippets or dislodge hooks. To improve your landing ratio, it’s advisable to set your drag light. By applying minimal pressure during those critical first few minutes, you allow the fish to run without risking a break-off, increasing the likelihood of successfully landing your catch.
Fall Brown Trout Fishing
Tip 1: Autumn Browns Love to Eat Eggs
As November approaches, the main run of brown trout begins, coinciding with the salmon spawning season. By the time the browns enter the river, the riverbed is rich with salmon eggs, creating a feeding frenzy. These hungry browns quickly key in on the abundant eggs, making it the perfect opportunity for anglers to use their favorite egg patterns. Fly patterns that mimic salmon eggs are highly effective during this time, and presenting them in areas where browns are actively feeding can lead to successful catches.
Tip 2: Switch to Nymphs When Browns Get Egg-Weary
While brown trout are notorious for their love of eggs, there are times when they can become wary of a steady diet of these larger meals. If you notice a decrease in bites while using egg patterns, it may be time to switch gears and employ nymphs. Choose nymph patterns that are similar in size to your egg flies to maintain consistency. Additionally, adding a touch of flash to your nymphs can increase their visibility and attract the attention of browns looking for something different. Experimenting with different nymph presentations can reignite their interest and lead to successful catches.
Tip 3: Active Browns Are Found in Riffles, Not Just Pools
A common misconception is that brown trout merely follow salmon upstream to feed on their eggs. However, brown trout are also spawners, and during November, they are actively seeking spawning habitats. To effectively locate these fish, concentrate your efforts in the riffles and the throats of pools, where browns are more likely to be found. These areas offer suitable conditions for spawning and provide active feeding opportunities. By targeting these habitats, you increase your chances of hooking into active browns during their spawning season.
Tip 4: Monitor Water Temperature for Better Success
Late fall can see a significant presence of brown trout in rivers, but early fall fishing can be challenging due to fluctuating water temperatures. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop five or six degrees overnight, which can shut down feeding activity. To improve your chances of success, pay close attention to the water temperature. When temperatures fluctuate, focus your fishing efforts during midday when the surface temperature is at its peak. This time frame often corresponds with increased fish activity, giving you a better opportunity to catch brown trout.
Original Article By Jay Peck
About The Author
Jay Peck is a fishing guide on the Lake Ontario tributaries. With 40+ years of fly fishing experience including 30 years as a licensed New York State guide, Jay has been applying his knowledge of the sport and local waters to help anglers in their pursuit of migratory fish, inland trout, and a variety of warm water species. Jay is also an accomplished spey caster and fly tyer. He has developed several fishing techniques and fly patterns for fishing the tributaries and inland trout streams. To learn more, check out Jay’s youtube channel, and get in touch with Jay at jaypeckguidesflyfishing.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
