Week of Nov. 7, 2026: Leaves

Thank you to the heroes on Veteran’s Day

Thank you to the best of us; those who were willing to give everything for our country.  We can never hope to repay the sacrifices made for millions of people and for the principles that inspire our country. Thank you, too, to their families who shouldered a share of the burden with honor and pride. November 11th is the day we honor you.

The weather has been nice.  A few days late last week felt like spring.  The near total lack of rain has left many of the leaves, in all their autumn beauty, still on branches. Last week's few days precipitation really knocked some down and into the rivers and made the whole process of fly fishing kind of frustrating. The fish are becoming more selective, too, and the gin-clear water does nothing to cover our approach. Fall fishing at its finest!

The reports in the shop were mixed.  Some folks are not finding fish, despite putting in the time and miles. What else can we do but keep at it and keep changing flies?  Mops, buggers, and small streamers can quickly cover a pool for any fish. Or, if you have the time, slow steady drifts with a nymph, midge, or both, with the Lisering lift at the end may do the trick.  Remember, fish generally look up, so taking your nymph or wet up a few inches into the water column may change the day. 

Remember that BWO and midges are moving, often when the air temperature shifts.  Try an orange or chartreuse caddis larvae or red zebra behind a larger, heavier fly and play with where the flies travel in the current by adjusting the indicator or weight. Since the water is going to get colder again, and flows remain so low, the fish will seek cover and cuisine around the structure or deep holes where they are safe. 

The leaves and other detritus are enough to make someone give up early! The swirling foam and sticks can create the cover trout need, too. I was pulling some grass off of my line while my fly was 2' downstream from my knees swirling in heavy foam loaded with grass, sticks, and leaves. The grass had entangled my line and the fly was making a scene from my effort of removing it when something tried taking my fly - just from the ruckus the untangling made in the foam. The fish missed and I tried to recreate the situation once my leader was free. It may be worth putting a fly directly into the foam, even foam thick with sticks and leaves, as fish will wait beneath for something living to fall in. Try an ant or unweighted bugger and see if it works.

(Finally, it has been bothering me all week how poorly written last week’s report was.  Ooof. I just needed to say that.)

Good luck out there this week! The temperature is dropping again and we have more much needed rain in the forecast.  

See you out there, 

Roy B.