September

The fishing season for Rainbow Lodge clients started in the cold weather of September. Having just taken over the business from Neil Grose, it was a case of returning from England, shaking hands and starting work two days later.

Water levels were reasonable at this time of year, although down on previous seasons. Snow was not uncommon over the next month, with typically bright weather in between downpours. As is often the case at this time, wet fly fishing proved the most effective method of catching fish. Woolly Buggers and “Yetis” in tandem were consistently eaten when stripped both fast and slow.

Trout were on the hunt at first light, tailing well in certain areas. Little Pine was already getting fished hard by numerous visitors to the state, as were the Nineteen Lagoons. Fortunately the fish were very co operative in these early months and the rod average was higher than I have ever known it to be. Although not as exciting as dry fly fishing, those game enough to brave the elements were more than rewarded by typically well conditioned fish from all waters. On numerous occasions, more than twelve fish per angler were landed in a day, with Jeff Mount taking full advantage of conditions in the last few days of September. Jeff was also game enough to venture into the western lakes in sub zero conditions where we experienced foot high “ice bergs” floating down one of the lakes!

For some reason, this time of year is not that popular amongst visiting anglers and gave me a little time to chase sea trout around the state. I did manage 30 in one day (my all time record) but all in all, the fish were smaller than those encountered in previous year – the bigger fish had already run in early September and August. I did mange a few around the six to eight pound mark but would hate to know how many casts it took.

October »