November and the weather has become cold, and today snow covers the landscape. Always in the back of my mind is how the snow pack will affect the water system and the condition of the river. The weather forecast is for more snow soon, and more on the horizon. Needless to say, getting to the river has been very easy.
I did encounter a hunter in his tree stand, rifle in hand. I stood under his watch and caught a great brown trout. I think he was surprised to see me, an old man fishing in silence.
The fishing has been slow but consistent. Seeking the best strategy has led me to midges. The wait in my bins at home until this time of year when they become my go to set up. I was interested in my blood midge. So were the trout. Great action.
Sometimes I use streamers and with great success. The big trout love to grab a piece of them as they drift by. I notice during the retrieve is often when I get a big hit.
 |
| My shortcut to the river |
I set up my line with a Griffith's gnat, trailing a red midge behind. The trout have been hitting me hard and frequently with this simple set-up. One day the blood midge was very effective. The next time out it was a zebra midge.
I was amazed to see bull moose three different times. I imagine a cow or two may be in heat near by. I know that a good repellent against these beasts is a camera. Every time I take mine out, the animal immediately retreats. Never fails.
I have caught some beautiful trout this fall. November the fish have been picky and tough to fool. Although the river is higher because of rain and mountain snowfall, it is very clear, and very cold. I have to pay attention to my shadow which is long at noon.
The most exciting part about November's time on the river has been the feeling of being somehow connected to nature. The solitude is a treasure.The temperature has been invigorating. Not to be taken lightly, a good day means wool, layered, with mittens to spare. My beard has grown quickly, and I know this is close to the end. I do venture out in the snow, but it can become terribly cold. December will be festive and fishing will be fun! Time on the river will be calculated and deliberate. The sun soon will set at 4:30.
 |
| Cut throat with a woolly bugger |
  |
| Not the dominate trout, but the ever present brown trout |
 |
| The cut throat will often be lightly colored |
 |
| This trout took a blood midge |
 |
| Cut throat trout |
 |
| Late fall |
Winter is coming. The snows will soon arrive. Fishing becomes more interesting as cold and snow are the norm. I go to different places to look for trout, always with an eye on the water for slight rises.The trout feed on rising emergers and nymphs. My preference is to see movement first and to present the most likely fly. Sometimes the San Juan worm will do the trick.
Fishing is fishing. Catching is a bonus. Action keeps me going, one never knows when the next fish will be caught. I try to not be surprised. During slow sessions, I know that the next hook up will always come. I should say I have faith.
Do you?
Fishing is fishing. Catching is a bonus. Action keeps me going, one never knows when the next fish will be caught. I try to not be surprised. During slow sessions, I know that the next hook up will always come. I should say I have faith.
Do you?
