All to often I hear fishermen complaining about crowds on the water. Much as hunters complain about the “Sea of Orange.”
At least those that are die hard fishermen get a reprieve of sorts. It is called hunting season! Not to say that hunters should put away the fly rods. Many streams and especially tail waters near hunting areas offer what many believe to be the best fishing of the year.
The Browns have spawned, and they aggressively defend their redds. Can you say streamer flys..? Present the fly as if it is attempting to raid the nest. Then hang on because the usually picky Brown Trout goes haywire in defending it’s still to be hatched young.
There are still some late hatches happening as well, usually late in the afternoons. These can be Mayflies, small Caddis fly’s, and the ever present Midges. I have had good success with BWO’s as well as Gray Elk Hair Caddis patterns between trips to the bird fields, and along side high country big game hunts in the past. Especially using midge larva patterns when in the high country. Don’t forget the lakes that are not frozen yet either. The fishing may be slower, but the fish tend to be larger and the crowds just not there. Quincy and Aurora reservoirs come to mind.
I live to hunt, but I also find myself fishing when the hunting is done for the day, or season.
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