September is one of the finest stillwater months. Cooler nights reduce water temperatures, oxygen levels improve and trout feed with renewed confidence after summer. Fish may switch between fry, buzzers, surface terrestrials and larger food items in the same day, so the month rewards anglers who watch the water carefully.
Fry-feeding is often at its peak. Large trout hunt shoals of juvenile fish around weed beds, drop-offs and windward banks. If you see trout slashing through the surface or fry scattering, fish a Pin Head Fry and vary the retrieve until fish respond. Some days they want quick, erratic strips, while on others a slower retrieve works better.
Natural food remains abundant. Corixa, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Crunchers all continue to catch. Surface fishing also enjoys a second wind in September. Daddy Long Legs and Hoppers are excellent when a fresh breeze blows terrestrials onto the water. The Peaks Fly Fishing Popping Caddis is another key surface pattern. Pulled steadily through a ripple with pauses, it leaves a subtle wake that trout can find difficult to ignore.
Recommended fly selection:
- Pin Head Fry
- Corixa
- Black Buzzer
- Olive Buzzer
- Diawl Bach
- Cruncher
- Daddy Long Legs
- Hopper
- Peaks Fly Fishing Popping Caddis
- Peaks Fly Fishing Flash Damsel
- Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail
What to watch for:
- Trout chasing fry around weed beds
- Wind pushing baitfish onto one shoreline
- Cooler nights increasing daytime feeding
- Buzzers during settled spells
- A good ripple encouraging surface sport
On the water:
Begin by watching. Fry activity calls for Pin Head Fry. A cool breeze and surface interest call for Daddy Long Legs, Hopper or Popping Caddis pulled steadily through the ripple.
