Ready for a hot tip for fly fishing in the fall? Go do it! Seriously though, in many places throughout Colorado, it’s hard to beat fishing during the fall months. In addition to great water conditions, you’ll encounter cooler temperatures and spectacular scenery. The whole autumn experience is always worth a day on the water.

Anglers can encounter some excellent dry fly fishing this time of year. But as fall progresses, and major hatches begin to taper off, anglers may need to change strategies. Here are a few tips as we approach fall fishing:

1. Think Small

As we make that transition from summer to fall fishing, one of the first things we should think about doing is sizing down our flies.

Where you’ve been having success on that size 16 caddis or size 12 hopper all summer, you might need to change things up. Even on relatively warm fall days, you might notice that fish are refusing those Amy’s Ants and other summertime dry fly favorites. But then a size 20 Parachute Adams could suddenly do the trick.

2. It’s Streamer Season

Fall is also a great time to be fishing streamers. As the weather begins to change, fish will be looking for that fast, big meal. This time of year, think about fishing dark colored streamers. Black is always a good choice. Also be ready with some fall colored options, like theAutumn Splendor.

One of our favorite ways to fish on foot is to cast to the far bank, using a quartering downstream cast. Allow the fly to swing through the current and strip it back up the near bank through the soft water. Take a few steps downstream, and repeat.

A short, sinking leader like the 7-foot Rio VersiLeader can be a big help in your fall streamer fishing adventures. But for a much more in-depth look at fall streamer fishing, see our previous article on that subject here. 

3. Fish Small Terrestrials

This is the perfect time of year to fish small terrestrials like beetles and ants. Even late into the fall, small terrestrials can be a hot meal ticket for trout.

Try fishing these small terrestrial patterns behind something more visible, like a size 18 Parachute Adams or even a small caddis. Behind that fly, tie a section of tippet to a small beetle or ant pattern. The beetle or ant may sink, so watch for that strike, using your other dry fly as an indicator.

Anglers All eCommerce manager, Blake Katchur also suggested trying a drowned yellow jacket. Blake has had some awesome eats on this is an often overlooked, but very effective late summer terrestrial pattern. 

4. Start Layering

As summer turns to fall, anglers should be prepared for big temperature swings. Cold mornings can lead to warm afternoons.

Mornings can be surprisingly chilly this time of year. But by mid-afternoon, it can feel like summer again. Don’t forget to bring your layers and be prepared for just about any type of weather.

This time of year also marks the end of wet wading season, so think about packing those waders! For some great tips on waders and what to wear under your waders, see this recent article. 

5. Try Something Different

Fall runs of spawning fish can draw big crowds to high-profile rivers above popular reservoirs. Instead of joining the masses to target fall run fish, think differently and go find yourself some solitude.

During the fall months, many mountain towns are between peak seasons. Smaller tributary rivers in these areas can be the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful fall day. Small streams offer great fishing in the fall. And there is arguably no better time to be in the high country.

“Also, pay attention to the most productive hours,” Blake reminded us. “When temperatures on the river get below freezing at night, the fish activity will be slow to start in the mornings. And don't forget the magic hour, which comes a lot earlier this time of year. When the sun starts to set or dips behind a bluff casting shadows on the water, fish often start feed recklessly. This can be a great time for a large dark colored streamer.”

Don’t Miss Fall Fishing in Colorado

Get out there and enjoy the spectacular fall weather in Colorado! Don’t be afraid to change your tactics and try something new. Most importantly, stop and look up from the water every once in a while.

If you have questions, please stop by the fly shop in Littleton or give us a call at 303-794-1104. We’d love to help you get ready for a great day of fall fishing.