A solid wild rainbow trout caught on a small dry fly in the Smokies on a cool fall day.
Summer held on with a vengeance through September, but it seemed like autumn arrived suddenly late last month. We’re having a glorious October with cool nights and pleasant afternoons. Streams in the Smoky Mountains are relatively low, but October is the month that features the least rainfall.
Dry fly fishing is really the way to go in the afternoons. The trout aren’t overly active in the mornings, but that’s not to say they can’t be caught. Afternoons are just the best time of day with more insects hatching and trout more active in the warmer water.
Beautiful, cool days and developing fall colors have made this a great month on the water
There are no flies that are “must haves” and likely very few that won’t work at all, but it’s important to focus on smaller sizes. Flies already have a trim profile like parachute patterns can be fish as large as #14, but taking it down a step or two will likely be better. Flies with an extra bushy profile like Stimulators or Thunderheads should be a little smaller, around #16 for starters.
A variety of insects are hatching right now. You’ll likely see a variety of small mayflies, caddis and midges with an odd stonefly here and there. The largest fly you’ll see won’t be very common, but the trout do seem to like it a lot. October Caddis are pretty big, so a #14 Elk Caddis in Orange or #16 Orange Stimulator can do quite well. That means they are also great options to use for a dry / dropper combo. Keep you nymphs pretty small, no larger than #16. Also, there’s no need for tungsten, super heavy flies right now since streams are low. No need to drag bottom with it’s already shallow and the fish are looking up.
October Caddis are relatively common from September through November
Brook trout have been seen paired up, but that’s always a little bit of a crap shoot since they spawn earlier in the highest elevations and later in the lower elevations. Show some restraint with these fish, but more importantly, know what their redds look like and don’t step on them. Hooking a spawning trout will give it extra stress, but stomping a nest with their eggs definitely crushes the next generation.
Brook trout are extra colorful in the fall but often preoccupied with spawning.
Watch for brown trout moving around gravelly flats in preparation for spawning, but these fish will be as spooky as they come. They typically spawn in early to mid November depending on weather conditions and flows.
Get out and enjoy these beautiful days while they last!
