Fall is the season of football, pennant races, changing leaves, and...of course, fishing. After the heat of summer finally wanes and anglers can again embrace fishing rivers that are clear and cold with trout that are hungry and spunky, it is time to feel good about going fly fishing for trout near you. Other than trout, there are also plenty of species to fish for during fall. Smallmouth bass are aggressive in the fall. Carp tend to feed with more purpose as they bulk up for winter. Winter steelhead runs can begin as well in some coastal river systems. Here are five of the best rivers for fly fishing this fall in the United States.

The Madison River in Montana is known for large brown trout runs in the fall. It is best in late September through November and is home to brown trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish. Streamers and egg patterns work well, especially for the brown trout during their spawn.

The Delaware River in New York and Pennsylvania in the fall is known for consistent water flows and cooler temperatures. It fishes well throughout September to October. The river's wild brown trout and rainbow trout can be caught on dry flies like blue-winged olives in early fall, while streamers can be productive as temperatures drop.

The Penobscot River in Maine is one of the East's most well known fall fisheries. The fall is a great time for landlocked Atlantic salmon, with October being the peak month. The river is also home to good population of resident brook trout. Streamers and large dry flies work well for aggressive salmon during their fall runs.

The Snake River in Idaho and Wyoming is surrounded by stunning fall foliage. The Snake River is a prime location for cutthroat trout fishing and fishes best in September and October. Snake river locals use dry flies and nymphs for targeting aggressive fall cutthroats.

The Colorado River in Colorado should be on any serious anglers must-fish list. A variety of fish species make the Colorado River an excellent fall fly fishing destination from September to November. The river's rainbow trout and brown trout provide ample opportunity. In fall streamers and terrestrials are effective, especially for large browns in the fall.

Wyoming and Montana's Yellowstone River is a legendary river for fall fishing, especially for large brown trout preparing to spawn. October and November are the best times for the river's brown trout and rainbow trout and its native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Most anglers use streamers, woolly buggers, and beadheads.

Oregon's Deschutes River is known for its steelhead runs in the fall, most of which peak in September to November. The river is also home to rainbow trout. Swinging flies and using nymphs are great techniques for targeting fall steelhead.

The Au Sable River that flows in Michigan is a legendary trout river. The river has beautiful scenery and excellent fall fishing, especially for salmon and trout. It is best fished in September to November with streamers, nymphs, and occasionally dry flies to hatching Blue Winged Olives.

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