September has largely been a cooler rehash of August, in both water conditions and fishing quality, but each day as we get further into fall the trout think more about spawning. This will rapidly bring about some changes.
Starting now on the Norfork and in a couple of weeks on the White, the rainbow trout will move to the nearest riffle areas. That's about the whole story for rainbows: pay attention to any riffle water, and also the areas just above and below any riffles. Prespawning trout are still feeding, so not much change from traditional fly patterns. If you know the fish are there but you can't get any action, try the bright attractors: Glo Bugs and San Juan Worms.
Brown trout are a different story. They tend to migrate as far upstream as possible, and finally end up below the dams. (Keep in mind that at only 4 ½ miles, the entire Norfork River is just below the dam.) Along the way they also tend to like riffles, particularly ones with deep pockets they can hide in and rest. Fish any pockets blind that you can find and keep an eye out for browns splashing, chasing each other, and porpoising. They'll often give themselves away with this prespawn fighting behavior.
As the trout get closer to spawning, they'll become interested in bigger and brighter flies. Fall and winter are the strongest times for Glo bugs (Egg patterns), for obvious reasons. Also in the bright fly category would be San Juan Worms and Y2K Bugs. Streamers and bigger Soft Hackles become more interesting to the trout as they start bickering and fighting pre-spawn.
You will see trout actually spawning starting mid October in the Norfork and lower White River. The upper White River will be about a month later. This should be your key to lay off. When the trout start to fan spawning redds, leave them alone. The spawning ritual is a rough time for our trout, and they have enough problems without also having to deal with your fly in their face. Fair's fair.
Stop by and see us ………….Dale
