5 Favorite Fall Flies

First off, where did the Summer go? Seems like yesterday it was early June and I was wishing runoff would end. Now there's a cool bite in the morning air and I put away the sandals and started looking for wool socks before heading out on the river. Many cultures view time as an ever-continuing cyclical pattern rather than a linear progression. I guess if I look at it that way, things are just making the round again.

Anyway, with Fall comes some great trout fishing. Brook trout are even more colored up and fiesty in preparation for the spawn. Brown trout are hungry and growing increasingly ornery and territorial. Rainbows are fattening up before Winter. My favorites, Cutthroats, well they are, as usual, pretty agreeable. I can't seem to wait for each Autumn day I get to spend on the trout stream. Here are some of my favorite Fall flies:

Orange Stimulator - This classic dry fly pattern is usually thought of as a stonefly pattern or general attractor, but this versatile pattern makes a fantastic October Caddis imitation. On my rivers this bug magically turns into big fat brown trout in the evenings.

Z-lon Trico Spinners - Fall brings tricos out in such clouds that you sometimes breath them in. My favorite match for these little mayflies is the Z-lon spinner, both male and female versions for the right times.

BWO Bunny Dun - After the Trico hatch wains, the Fall baetis begin and the Blue Winged Olive Bunny Dun in small sizes seems to be the perfect match.

Tan Caddis Poopah - This realistic nymph pattern seems to turn on from September through Thanksgiving. I use both the bead head and the non-beaded versions depending on the situation.

Olive/Orange Blossom Special - I love streamer fishing in the Fall and this pattern in both colors has become one of my go-to streamers for aggressive Autumn brown trout.

The leaves are green for now but full blown Fall is just one or two more crisp nights away. Be sure you're ready to make the best of the great trout fishing to be had at this time of year.