As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler the fishing only gets better! With fall knocking on our door it’s time to get out and do some fishing before winter settles in. The most difficult part of fall fishing for me is choosing what to fish for. Both warm and cold water fish will begin gorging themselves to prepare for a long cold winter, giving anglers opportunities to catch some real monsters. With Wisconsin’s inland trout season coming to an end the time is NOW to get up there for your last chance at that big brown you’ve been dreaming about. Put away the small flies and throw some meat if your looking for big fish. Bass, pike, and musky are also putting the feeding bag on and giving anglers something else to look forward to. And of course, the fall run of salmon, brown trout, and steelhead. This is by far my favorite event of the year. Although southwest Wisconsin’s tributaries can be a madhouse of fisherman, staying away from spawning gravel and fishing deeper runs and pools will give you a better shot at finding some players. The options are there, make some time before it’s too late.
Thinkin’ Steelhead
I sat down to tie some flies tonight and couldn’t help but think about the fall run of steelhead that’s just around the corner. Here is a pattern that I think will prove deadly on any steelhead water.
- Hook: #4 salmon hook
- Tail: black rabbit strip/couple strands of flashabou
- Body: Purple buck tail (top) Pink buck tail (bottom). choose your favorite colors.
- Wing: Grizzly hackle
- Collar/Head: Black deer hair
- Eyes: Medium barbell
Do You Fish in Illinois or Wisconsin?
Summer Steelhead?
If you haven’t noticed yet this summer has been HOT! As a result the summer skamania steelhead have not moved into the rivers yet. There have been reports of random fish here and there, but as far as a “run” of fish, it hasn’t really happened. Usually by the first week of July anglers start seeing these chrome torpedoes in decent numbers. I’m hoping that these fish have been patiently waiting near river mouths for some cool temperatures and a little precipitation to get them moving upstream. This weeks weather might be just what we need to get a good push of fish into Michigan and Indiana streams. If your up for the challenge remember to leave the two-handed rods behind and go with something short and stout, Indiana’s small creeks are tight with brush and littered with log-jams.
Back To School
Dolphins Under Attack
Last night I watched the debut of the award winning documentary “The Cove”. It was quite disturbing to say the least. If you wanna see for yourself how destructive the Japanese fish market is to our oceans, their inhabitants, and the people who eat them I suggest you take the time to watch this movie. Learn more about how you can help here http://www.thecovemovie.com/home.htm
