For many experienced anglers, September is the finest month of the river trout season. Cooler nights lower water temperatures, autumn rain refreshes rivers and trout feed with renewed confidence after the challenges of midsummer. It is also a month with a clear autumn identity. The Large Dark Olive returns, sedge activity remains important and Daddy Long Legs can dominate surface fishing.
Autumn Large Dark Olive hatches can produce superb dry fly sport during mild afternoons. Sedge fishing can be excellent into the evening, particularly after warm days. Daddy Long Legs become a headline pattern in September, especially around rough grass, pasture and windy weather. Trout recognise them as large, easy meals and often take them with real confidence.
Traditional spiders remain valuable on northern rivers. Partridge and Orange and Snipe and Purple work well in broken glides and riffles when fish are feeding just beneath the surface. Towards the end of September, trout behaviour can also change as shorter days, cooler water and the approach of spawning make larger fish more territorial and less cautious. Small streamers can then become effective, especially in slightly coloured water.
Recommended fly selection:
- Large Dark Olive
- Kite's Imperial
- Double Badger
- Griffiths Gnat
- Black Gnat
- Peaks Fly Fishing Cinnamon Sedge
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Daddy Long Legs
- Partridge and Orange
- Snipe and Purple
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten River Streamer
- Woolly Bugger
- Zonker
- Sculpin patterns
What to watch for:
- The return of the Large Dark Olive
- Strong evening sedge hatches
- Daddy Long Legs blowing onto the water
- Rivers fining down after autumn rain
- Larger trout becoming more territorial towards the end of the month
On the river:
September is one of the few months when it is worth carrying tiny dry flies and small streamers. During the afternoon, olives or Daddy Long Legs may produce superb sport. Late in the month, a Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten River Streamer can provoke instinctive takes from larger trout in coloured water.
