Many changes have taken place since my last report. Late August and Early September brought some epic flying ant hatches that produced explosive dry fly fishing on all local rivers. The Ants have slowed with the recent colder weather, but blue winged olive mayflies, Isonychia Mayflies, pale duns, and October Caddis have taken their place. Last Tuesday I had a great outing guiding on the Upper Androscoggin. My client John landed five nice rainbows all on size 10 Isonychia Nymphs. This past Wednesday I guided repeat client Dale who had good luck fishing emerging mayflies and October Caddis on the Saco. It was cool to see Dale land a fat 13" brown trout out of small water where I have seen mostly brook trout in the past. Dale also lost a few big rainbows that pounced on a chernobyl ant as well as the October Caddis.
On Friday the real cold weather hit us hard. The fishing was slow with a few tout taken on nymphs but not much surface activity.On Saturday the clouds rolled in and brought on a solid blue winged olive hatch that resulted in one nice rainbow to hand as well as quite a few fish missed on this small mayfly before we had to call it at noon. Sunday (today) started out cold with few fish seen. As the day warmed the fish began to show resulting in half a dozen beautiful wild brook trout to hand.
The wild brook trout waters I guide on are a mix of spring water and surface flow. As the surface flow cools the fish move from their summer hiding places and explode on nymphs, streamers and dries. This evening I went out to a local small stream with the pup and landed close to a dozen wild brookies that averaged eight inches and went up to 11". With a little over a month left to the general season the fish will be making a last ditch effort to fatten up before winter. I'm looking forward to many productive drift trips on the Androscoggin, some technical dry fly angling on the Saco, and Ellis, as well as plenty of vibrant fall brook trout.
It's also worth noting that the lower Andro is open to fishing year round and some of the biggest fish are caught from late October through Christamas. The Blue wings will be on through November, when they aren't big streamers will be an even more important menu Item.
Tight Lines,
Nate
Plump Saco Rainbow Taken on a flying ant right at dark.
Andro Salmon taken on a flying ant.
Greg with an Upper Andro Bow.
Fred with a solid Ellis River Brook Trout.
John with an Upper Andro Rainbow.
Dale with a golden Saco Brown.
Saco brookie
Brad's first trout on the fly, A lower Andro Rainbow.
Bosley the dog saying hi to a wild brook trout.