For fly fishers, a highlight of fall is the October caddis and Hexagenia mayfly hatches. These hatches along with a hoard of autumn hoppers provides a lot variety for high-profile imitations.
Grasshopper patterns are like a rib-eye steak to a rainbow trout. They are a big meal, and are usually taken with big splash. Always fish hoppers on a dry line and twitch it like a struggling hopper that has just been blown from the dry grass or the heated afternoon rocks into a cold stream.
The October caddis, also known as the giant sedge, are large insects, and like the hoppers -big bugs attract big fish. Flights of giant caddis and mayfly adults are marked by large swirls close to shore. Fly fishing anglers should tie on an adult size 8-10 patterns of stimulators, chubby Chernobyl, or large elk hair caddis tied with an orange body.
Nymphing caddis emerger patterns either naked, or with a strike indicator, are productive during the day and into the evening for rainbows.
Spincasting jigheads or fly angling with full-sink line and an egg-sucking leech or woolly bugger will land you a pan full of walleye. In addition, rainbows and bass can also be caught using these set ups.
Trolling bucktail flies on the Arrow Lake just below the surface is a favourite autumn method to attract Gerrard and bull trout and trolling up to 3.5 mph recommended.
Hatches: October caddis, mayflies
Terrestrials: Hoppers
