Fall is here across all of the United States. From the famous trout streams in Michigan and the Midwest to the rugged mountains of the West to the spring creeks and small waters of the East, now is the time to get on the water before the snow starts to fall on many of the waters near you for fishing. Fly fishing in the fall can be incredibly rewarding as fish become more aggressive in preparation for winter. Here are five of the best hatches to focus on during this season.

Blue-winged Olives (BWOs): These small mayflies are prolific in the fall, especially on cloudy days. Look for them hatching in the afternoons, and use patterns like the Adams or BWO comparadun.

Caddis: Fall can see a resurgence of caddis hatches, especially in streams. Look for both adults and emergers. Patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis and Sparkle Pupa can be very effective.

Trico mayflies: In the early mornings, trico spinners can create exciting fishing opportunities. These small mayflies hatch in large numbers, and using a trico spinner pattern can yield great results.

Midges: As temperatures cool, midge activity often increases. They can hatch throughout the day, but they’re especially effective during the colder months. Try midge patterns in different sizes and colors.

Pseudocleons: While technically not a Blue-winged Olive by scientific standards, these small mayflies dominate many rivers that are ideal for trout fishing. Try small Adams or comparaduns in size 20 to 22.

For fly fishing this fall, as temperatures drop, fish often move to deeper waters during the day and may feed closer to the surface during warmer parts of the day. Pay attention to the water temperature and adjust your fishing times accordingly. Focus on late-season hatches such as Blue-winged Olives, Tricos, and various caddis. These can provide excellent opportunities for dry fly fishing.

Be sure to read onWater fishing blog posts to plan better and fish smarter and help you find places to fish near you.

Thousands of Place to Fish with Offline Maps

Three Ways Topo Maps Help You Find More Fishing Spots

Five Ways Satellite Imagery Helps You Find More Fish

Use Our Hydrology Layer to Find More Places to Fish