It has been a very productive September so far. Fishing on the Androscoggin river has been particularly good with productive hatches of Isonychia, October Caddis, BWO's an flying ants. When bugs aren't on the water streamers have been important.

A late day Isonychia eater. This fish tried for a dry and was then caught on a swinging nymph.

As we move into fall the bite windows continue to shift from early and late in the day to mid-day. This change results from changing water temperatures triggering bugs to hatch later in the day. On rainy days the fishing seems to pick up around 10am while on sunny days the fish take a little longer to activate. On rainy days water temps are more consistent as cloud cover means less of a temperature gradient throughout the day. For example Monday nights lows were near 60 degrees with high humidity holding into the next day with temps only rising into the low 70's . This humidity and cloud cover resulted in flying ant swarms beginning around 10am. Conversely the lows Monday night were in the 40's with daytime highs near 80 degrees. This colder night with low humidity followed by a warmer day resulted in a sporadic hatch of Isonychia later in the day when water temps shifted and sunlight decreased. Of course there are always exceptions to these rules but it is not crucial to get out early this time of the year. It is also important to know that if you aren't catching fish earlier in the day it pays to wait things out and change techniques.

Mark Hogopian with a hot rainbow he caught nymphing a seam.

This is my favorite time of the year to guide here in NH. Fall fishing means fewer anglers on the water, beautiful foliage, crisp days and the luxury of great fishing that you don't need to get up early or stay out late to enjoy.

Had to jump out of the boat to net this bright female...these fish fight just like steelhead.

This is also a great time of they year to book a float trip. During fall it is especially beneficial to float fish rivers like the Androscoggin. This time of the year most fish are found in the center of riffles. As fall progresses they will transition to deeper slower water where they will casually sip bugs and aggressively chase streamers. A boat allows anglers to target all of these important water types with the added benefit of being able to carry multiple rods in order to change techniques with changing conditions.

We have seen many fish of this year class this season...bodes well for next year!

So what's ahead? As fall gets underway so will our BWO hatches. The Isonychia hatches we have been seeing will continue for a few more weeks and will be mixed with the BWO's much of the time. As spawning time approaches for browns and brook trout streamers will become even more important as will egg patterns.

If you would like to experience the beauty and excitement of fall fishing we have dates for October and November available. If interested please contact us ASAP as dates are filling fast.

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