Terrestrials
Fall hatches aren't as diverse as summer but terrestrials such as grasshoppers, ants and beetles are present. Fall is a perfect time to prospect seams and edges with terrestrial patterns. Do note these terrestrials are cold blooded and become almost dormant during cool fall evenings. As a result it is important to allow the air temperatures to warm until late morning and the bugs to become more active before fishing these patterns.
Recommended Patterns
Swisher’s Foam PMX, Trina’s Carnage Hopper, Stimulators, Tumbling Beetles, Flying Ants, Humpy.
Sizes: hoppers as big as size 6 and small ants to 18. Be sure to have various sizes and colors on hand.
Fishing double hoppers or a hopper to an ant or beetle can produce some terrific takes.
The Rig
One thing to remember is that these are not aquatic bugs and therefore they are terrible swimmers. This is where fishing any of these patterns, as a submerged dropper can be dynamite. We recommend even adding a bit of sink it to your second “dry fly” in order to help it sink and to fish it as a nymph.
Fall Hatches
Blue Winged Olives (BWO), Fall/October Caddis, Midges, Water Boatmen
It's hard to pinpoint what my favorite season is or the best time to fish, but the fall is always very near the top of the list. With all of that being said, this fall, don't be so quick to pack up the gear and say good-bye to the fishing season. Make some time to experience a couple of crisp mornings and bluebird days that we so often experience in Alberta. Last year, on our headwaters, we experienced terrific dry fly fishing right up until the last day of the season and we may be in for a repeat this year. ~ Aaron Feltham