October is one of the most versatile stillwater months. Water temperatures have fallen, oxygen levels are high and trout can feed confidently throughout the day. Fry-feeding often continues, lure fishing becomes more effective again and surface sport can be excellent during mild weather with a good ripple.
Fry should never be ignored in October. If you see nervous water, scattering baitfish or trout crashing through shoals, a Pin Head Fry is a natural first choice. Lure fishing also comes back strongly as trout become more willing to chase. Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail, Humungous and Booby patterns can cover water well, especially in a wave. Vary the retrieve. Fast pulls may work one day, while a slow figure-of-eight or gentle draw works better the next.
October is not just about fry and lures. Daddy Long Legs and Hopper patterns can be excellent on the surface when autumn winds blow terrestrials onto the water. The Peaks Fly Fishing Scruffy Popper is also highly effective on cool, overcast days with a steady ripple. If there is only subtle surface activity, suspend a Black Buzzer or Olive Buzzer beneath a Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink and leave it almost static.
Recommended fly selection:
- Pin Head Fry
- Daddy Long Legs
- Hopper
- Peaks Fly Fishing Scruffy Popper
- Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink
- Black Buzzer
- Olive Buzzer
- Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail
- Humungous
- Booby
- Diawl Bach
- Cruncher
- Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg
On the water:
React to what trout are doing. Smashing fry means Pin Head Fry. Confident surface movement means Daddy, Hopper or Scruffy Popper. Subtle dimples mean a buzzer under a Ressie Dink. If nothing shows, pull a Lava Tail or Humungous to locate fish.
