We’re finally seeing snow reach the valley floor and scraping ice off our windshields in the mornings. River flows have been steadily rising since early October, though levels remain lower than average for this time of year. Water temperatures are finally staying in the sub-fifties and the fish are appreciating the much needed recovery from this summer.

Early fall dry-fly fishing has been a real treat a welcome change after the toughest parts of summer. With frost now on the ground, terrestrial action has tapered off as most land-based insects go dormant for winter. The October caddis and mahogany hatches mostly came to a close with the hard cold snap. Blue-winged olives are the focal hatch, generally about 16-18 in size, and any small general mayfly will do a good imitation. During mid-day lulls between hatches, swinging a streamer or running a nymph rig is a consistent way to keep the rod bent.

Nymphing remains rock-solid as always. Whether you’re using an indicator setup or tightlining, it’s an effective way to find fish before, after, or between hatches. Stonefly patterns such as Double Bead Stones, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and TJ Hookers are all excellent for indicator rigs or as droppers. For tightline approaches, small perdigons and similar beadhead nymphs are as reliable as ever.

Streamer fishing is picking up fast with the cooler, overcast weather. Patterns like Goldies, Olive Peanut Envys, Double Gongas, and Mini Dungeons have all been producing well. On bright days, flashy patterns such as the Sparkle Yummy, Kreelex, or Skiddish Smolt can trigger strikes from wary fish. On those dark, rainy, “perfect streamer” days, larger, darker articulated patterns like Dungeons or Silk Kitties are deadly choices. Browns are on Redds so make sure to watch where you wade and leave the spawners alone. Assume any fish far up a side channel or tributary to be actively spawning and stick to the main river.