Why October can be a good month
October brings cooler air and water across much of North America, which often makes trout and other coldwater fish more comfortable and active than in mid-summer. Crowds thin out in many places, and some fish begin feeding more heavily ahead of winter or spawning. Conditions vary a lot by region, elevation, and year, so treat the points below as general patterns rather than guarantees.
What to fish for in October
- Trout. Rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout are the main targets in many rivers and lakes (see trout fishing in fall). Brown and brook trout are fall spawners in many areas, which affects their behavior and your ethics (see below).
- Grayling and whitefish in the waters where they are found.
- Bass. Smallmouth and largemouth bass often feed actively in cooling water until it gets quite cold, and can be good fly rod targets in many regions (see bass fishing in the fall).
- Warmwater species. Panfish, pike, and others can also be active in early fall depending on location.
- Salmon and steelhead runs occur in some regions in fall; rules are specific to the water, and our best time for salmon fishing guide covers run timing.
Always check local regulations. Some streams have seasonal closures to protect spawning fish, and some species are catch-and-release only.
Hatches and flies to carry
Exact hatches depend on your region, but a few insects are commonly associated with fall:
- Blue-winged olives (BWOs) (see best trout flies for autumn) are widely associated with cool, cloudy fall days, usually on small flies, often in sizes around 18 to 22.
- Midges hatch year-round and are often important in cold conditions; see midge fly fishing.
- October caddis appear on some western and other rivers.
- Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants may still work early in the month in warm spells.
- Nymphs. Standard nymphs like pheasant tails, hare’s ear, and small stoneflies are dependable when fish are not rising.
- Egg patterns can be effective around spawning fish, though be mindful of local rules and ethics.
A varied selection of dries, nymphs, and streamers lets you adapt. Local fly shops post current reports and are worth a call.
Streamers and pre-spawn browns
Fall is often a favorite time for streamers. Brown trout, in particular, become territorial and aggressive before spawning in many rivers. Larger flies fished with strips or swings, especially in low light, may draw big fish. Our guide to how to fly fish a streamer covers gear and retrieves. Mouse patterns can also work in low light and at night; see mousing for big fish.
Spawning fish and redds
Fall-spawning trout build nests called redds in gravel, which look like cleaned, lighter patches of gravel. To protect next year’s fish:
- Avoid wading through gravel areas where fish may be spawning.
- Do not target fish that are actively spawning.
- Handle fish minimally if you do catch one and release it quickly.
- Follow any special seasonal regulations.
Best time of day
In cool weather, fish are often more active during the warmest part of the day, roughly late morning through afternoon, particularly for hatches like blue-winged olives on overcast days. In warmer spells, early morning and evening can still be productive. Low-light periods are common for streamers and large flies. Because patterns vary, pay attention to water temperature and what fish are doing on the day.
Best season and best month
There is no single best season for fly fishing. Many anglers love spring for rising water and hatches, summer for dry flies and terrestrials, and fall for streamer fishing and fewer people. Best months differ by region. In Montana, for example, many anglers consider early summer through fall to be productive, with fall bringing cooler water and fall hatches, but local conditions, runoff, and weather matter more than the calendar. Ask a local shop for the current picture.
Clothing and safety
October weather can change quickly, especially at elevation.
- Dress in layers and bring a rain shell (more in what to wear to go fishing).
- Wear a wading jacket and warm socks, and consider gloves for cold mornings.
- Wade carefully; leaves and cold water add risk, and cold water reduces how long you can safely stay in.
- Tell someone your plan and know the sunset time, since days are shortening.
- For night or dawn trips, our guide on fly fishing at night has safety suggestions.
FAQ
What should I fish for in October? Trout are the main target in many regions, along with bass, grayling, and, in some places, salmon or steelhead. Check local rules.
What is the best time of day to fly fish? It depends on the season. In fall, late morning to afternoon is often productive for hatches, while low light suits streamers.
What is the best month for fly fishing in Montana? There is no single answer. Many anglers favor summer through early fall, but conditions vary by river, so check local reports.