Let’s discuss the different fly fishing options for November. Many of the large bass move into the back eddies to take advantage of the great numbers of minnows that live here. This also provides protection from the full force of the river current. Some of these are located on the side of the river with the slow current below the strong riffles. These eddies may range from 20-60 feet in diameter and from 5-10 feet deep. They can be fished by floating or by wading close to the shallow bank. I find that by using a Sink Tip III fly line with a Fluorocarbon Sinking Leader works best. The Tungsten Cone Head Marauder size 4 works well. I strip these along the stream bottom by stripping them 6 inches every 5 seconds.
In order to hook these bass consistently I use a firm line hand strike simultaneously with a strong rod-lifting motion. Fish these eddies thoroughly so every bass will see the fly. I devote 1/2 hour to thoroughly fish a 50ft eddy. Listen to my podcast for more>>>
Fly Fishing for Trout
November produces some wonderful Blue Wing Olive mayfly hatches that really turn the trout on. Many of the rich streams in Pennsylvania give me such great blue wing olive fishing that they rival the wonderful days in Montana on the Yellowstone and Nelsons. I normally get my best hatches and fishing from 2 to 4. However on overcast or snowy days the hatch and fishing can be great all day. My favorite flies are the Mr. Rapidan Parachute Dry size 16 or 18, CDC Blue Wing Olive, and Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph Olive size 16.
One day on the Yellowstone it was snowing heavily and the Blue Wing Olive hatch was very heavy. Standing in the middle of the river whichever way I looked there were over 20 rising trout within casting distance.
Days like the picture above produce heavy olive mayfly hatches and many feeding trout.
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