We’re finally seeing some frost one the ground, sure sign fall has arrived on the Clark Fork! The Clark Fork has been slowly cooling down over the past couple of weeks. It's about time for the big browns to begin making their way into smaller waters before heading to their redds.

Now that it is truly fall, we're seeing the beginnings of our favorite fall hatches. October caddis, BWOs and mahoganies will be the mainstays from here until the first snowfall. The terrestrial action slows as many terrestrial insects go dormant in the cold, but the fish are happily rising throughout the day, on mayflies in the mornings and caddis in the afternoons. Sunnier days generally fish better with mayflies, and rainy days and late afternoons fish well with caddis. Large rust Goddard caddis, BWO Film Critics, and Parachute Mahogany Dunns should be your fly choices for the end of September and into October. This time of the year is a great time to head hunt and find those pods of large rising fish.

With the cold, overcast weather we've been seeing lately, it’s time to dust off the streamer rod and get to chuckin’ some meat! Or maybe pick up some streamers if you’ve yet to try it. We’ve plenty of streamers that fish well on light rods, so you definitely don’t need to go getting a new rod just to enjoy the fall streamer bite. As the fish begin their journey up the tributaries, they are switching into predator mode and are eager to attack whatever you throw in front of them. Since it’s fall, a Sparkle Yummy in JJ’s magic or a bright yellow bugger will be the ticket to finding those colored-up, angry trout in skinny waters. Jigged streamers are also great for searching deeper pools or larger, faster runs. Expect the streamer bite to continuously get better as the days get shorter and the nights get longer.

Walking along the river bank, look down at the rocks on the shoreline for the shucks of October caddis. If you find some chucks, it’s a near guarantee that swinging an October caddis nymph will be extremely effective that day. Especially in shallow seams or in the tail out of a run. You can either swing wet flies or use the traditional bobber approach. And for those who prefer Euro-nymphing, don’t worry—it’s just as effective as ever. Any large, orange-bead-headed nymph will work well, along with classic patterns like Pat’s Rubber Legs, TJ Hookers and perdigons.