As the warmth of the summer begins to cool into fall, fishing patterns begin to change for all species. But with the summer being a typically inactive time for trout fishing, the fall brings the opportunity for better fishing on area trout streams.
Angler of the Year
The Chattanooga Bass Yakkers kayak bass fishing club has joined up with three other kayak fishing groups in Tennessee to put on the Tennessee Angler of the Year Tournament, which will be held Sept. 20 at a location to be determined. Anglers in all four clubs qualify for the event by earning points at their club tournaments throughout the year. For more information on the Angler of the Year tournament or on the Bass Yakkers September tournament-which will be held Sept. 6 at the Beat Trace launch on Lake Chickamauga-visit chattanoogabassyakkers.com.
The typical bait for trout fishing changes as the weather changes, forcing a difference in what flies will work best as the temperatures begin to drop. In a blog post for fly-fishing equipment maker Orvis, fly fishing mentor and author Tom Rosenbauer gives a few tips for fall trout fishing, warning that fishing at this time of year can be slow and tedious with the possibility of great rewards for the patient angler.
Know what to fish and when: Early in the fall, some late but very small mayfly hatches are still likely, but later in the fall, beetle and grasshopper flies will work better.
Fish are wary: After being fished hard all year, many trout will be wary this time of year and slower water won't help matters. Using a longer leader line will help keep trout from becoming skittish.
Use a little motion: The fall means falling leaves, and leaves floating on your favorite trout stream can make it harder for the fish to see your fly. Twitching your fly on the water before retrieving can help the fish see the bait you want him to hit.
For more fly-fishing advice from Rosenbauer or to subscribe to his Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, visit orvis.com/s/ tom-rosenbauerbiography/564.