Fly Fishing for Brown Trout in the Fall Photo Essay

5 Thoughts on Fall Fishing

Here are a few snaps and five thoughts on fishing for brown trout here in Colorado in the fall months.

Fall River Float Trip Somewhere in Colorado Words: Will Rice (@will_rize)

Photos: Nelson Oxley, Will Rice and Rick Mikesell

1. Know Your Target

Although not native to the state or North America, brown trout are one of the pinnacle species for fly fishing enthusiasts – especially in Colorado. Brown trout (scientifically named Salmo trutta) is an anadromous fish that naturally reproduces in rivers across the state. For many trout anglers in the fall, browns are THE target species.

Brown trout & bamboo - courtesy of PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods

Colorado Brown trout

A River Quiver 4-Banger DeYoung Edition with LP T-Track Mounts out in the Colorado wild

2. The “Where” is Pretty Easy

Brown trout are especially accessible in Colorado as they exist in just about every major river drainage and many smaller tributaries. Because of their prevalence, wade fishing can be just as productive as fishing from a raft or drift boat.

Bird's Eye View of Raft Fly Fishing in Colorado

Fall River Float Trip Somewhere in Colorado

3. Brown Trout Love Streamers

In addition to having aggressive feeding and fighting tactics, brown trout eat a wide range of food sources. As fish bulk up for the winter season, they get extremely predatory which makes streamer fishing a tactic to think about. Browns will eat some of the largest insects that hatch in or near a river, as well as crawfish, other fish, and even mice… more on Mr. Mouse later.

Brown trout in the net

A ShortCut River Quiver With Truck-Bed Mounts
All the benefits of a full length River Quiver... half the size

4. Steer Clear of Spawning Browns and Stay off of Redds

Brown trout spawn throughout the fall. Spawning beds – also known as redds – will be found in different areas throughout a river. Typically you will find a round “nest” that is anywhere from 6” to 4’ wide (sometimes even bigger) with male and female fish in the vicinity. Do some research so you can recognize spawning behaviour as well as identify spawning beds – and steer clear of these fish as they are the ones that are responsible for the fish of the future. Also, it goes without saying that Riversmith is an advocate of catch-and-release fishing but for a quick refresher, here is a good how-to video from our friends at Orvis.

Two Colorado Classics

5. Don’t Overlook the Mouse

If you have never swung or skated a mouse pattern and watched a monster brown try to take advantage of the waking critter on the surface of the water… you’re missing out. Fishing a mouse pattern at the right time of the day can be even more productive than fishing a streamer or nymph sub surface.

For a deep dive tutorial on fly fishing with mouse patterns, check out this Mouse Guide from our friends over at Flylords.

Enjoy the fall fishing because winter fly fishing is just around the corner!