There's Still Time

The weather, or lack there of, was kind of the story for this fall. It was disappointing for sure but there's still hope. You know it's going to come and when it does, these guys will be back to mowing bugs.

Here's the deal; most years by now, the water temps are hovering around 50 degrees and maybe even colder. The air temps rarely get above 65 and we often get fronts moving through bringing rain and snow. Now, that doesn't sound great for spending the day on the water but for those who really like catching a ton of fish either throwing streamers or getting them on dries, bring on the weather, right? The problem is, the air temps have been consistently in the 70's for the last few weeks and the water temps are still in the mid-50's. That's going to change soon though and when it does, there are definitely things to look forward to...

First of all, we haven't really seen any bugs for a couple weeks. All fish have to eat are scuds, some midges and other aquatics like sculpins, crayfish, worms and eggs from spawning browns and rainbows. (Yes, rainbows. We do have some spawning rainbows in the Lower River thanks to the introduction of Arlee rainbows in the reservoir that have spilled over the dam.) With the warm weather and lack of bugs, trout have been kind of chilling for the most part, waiting for something to happen. When the BWO's start popping, we're not going to see a couple here or there but more like blanket hatches and trout will start gorging again. It's going to get stupid.

Second, the crowds have left, the guides have mostly disappeared and especially during the week, you'll now have the entire river to yourself. Even though the fishing wasn't as good as it usually is during October, the river was stupid busy as everyone was counting on the weather. Guys came out in droves, hauling boats and booking trips and although the fishing was ok, it wasn't what they were expecting so they kind of went all in too early and now are going back to their jobs and their lives with their tails between their legs. Those guys that have some freedom to book a last minute trip are going to be able to hit it when it's good and there are a lot of us that are still hanging out that would love to get folks onto some stupid fishing in between chasing birds and setting decs.

Today it starts. Literally. It's only supposed to get up to about 60 degrees and cloudy and this pattern will remain for a while with highs consistently in the fifties. Next week the lows will be right around freezing at night and again, clouds and fifties for highs. That will get the bugs popping and fish eating. I'm looking forward to working my last stretch of days for the season Sunday, Monday, Tuesday but I would love to keep booking trips when the getting is good so get on it folks. You won't want to miss it.

Keep 'em where they live...