09-19-2007, 02:10 PM
As I stand in my favorite trout stream and cast another fly, I'm reminded of why fall is my favorite time of the year.
After a long, hot summer, I enjoy the cool temperatures of fall and watching the leaves change into their autumn colors. As I listen to the soothing waters of the stream, I watch as a flock of birds flies overhead on its way south.<br />
At that moment, a fish rises to the surface of the water, I'm quickly reminded of another reason why I like fall so much: it's a season that provides some of the best fishing of the year!
Fishing: why it's so good in the fall<br />
While most of the big fish are caught earlier in the year, you'll probably catch the greatest number of fish in the fall. This is especially true for trout. There are several reasons for this:
The water level in rivers and streams is usually low in the fall. The lower water level congregates fish in pools and undercut banks that provide them with cover. That makes it easier to find them.<br />
The water is clear in the fall. The clear water makes it easier for fish to see your bait, fly or lure from a greater distance. But it's also easier for the fish to see you, so be extra careful not to spook them.<br />
During the last few weeks before winter, trout feed fairly aggressively to build up their fat reserves for the long winter ahead. Because they're feeding aggressively, there's a better chance they'll take the worms, lures or artificial baits you offer them.<br />
Here's a species-by-species look at why fall is a great time to fish:
Trout<br />
Utah received a lot of water in 2006, and you can still reap the rewards a year later.<br />
Last year's good water year not only helped fill some of the state's more popular fishing waters, it also provided additional water for the state's fish hatcheries. The additional water has allowed the hatcheries to produce more fish. Recently renovated fish hatcheries at Kamas, Mammoth Creek and Fountain Green are producing more fish than ever.
After a long, hot summer, I enjoy the cool temperatures of fall and watching the leaves change into their autumn colors. As I listen to the soothing waters of the stream, I watch as a flock of birds flies overhead on its way south.<br />
At that moment, a fish rises to the surface of the water, I'm quickly reminded of another reason why I like fall so much: it's a season that provides some of the best fishing of the year!
Fishing: why it's so good in the fall<br />
While most of the big fish are caught earlier in the year, you'll probably catch the greatest number of fish in the fall. This is especially true for trout. There are several reasons for this:
The water level in rivers and streams is usually low in the fall. The lower water level congregates fish in pools and undercut banks that provide them with cover. That makes it easier to find them.<br />
The water is clear in the fall. The clear water makes it easier for fish to see your bait, fly or lure from a greater distance. But it's also easier for the fish to see you, so be extra careful not to spook them.<br />
During the last few weeks before winter, trout feed fairly aggressively to build up their fat reserves for the long winter ahead. Because they're feeding aggressively, there's a better chance they'll take the worms, lures or artificial baits you offer them.<br />
Here's a species-by-species look at why fall is a great time to fish:
Trout<br />
Utah received a lot of water in 2006, and you can still reap the rewards a year later.<br />
Last year's good water year not only helped fill some of the state's more popular fishing waters, it also provided additional water for the state's fish hatcheries. The additional water has allowed the hatcheries to produce more fish. Recently renovated fish hatcheries at Kamas, Mammoth Creek and Fountain Green are producing more fish than ever.