It is officially fall. The leaves are almost gone, people are dressed in bright orange coming out of the darkening woods at 4:30; all signs are that snow is on its way. Nonetheless, fishing season is not over!

Central and southern Maine hold some monster brown trout and brook trout that are spawning. There are several places listed in the law book that are open year-round. These places have special rules that should be checked in the law book.

Right now the rivers are high, so your best bets are the feeder streams because this is most likely where the fish are spawning. Bringing two fly rods is a wise move; one set up with a sinking tip line to fish streamers and one set up for nymphing, both with fluorocarbon leaders.

Fish the undercuts of the banks and behind or around any structure, rocks or logs. If there is a decent flow go right to nymphs, blue wing imitations, black stones and egg patterns. Add split shots, because the fish will be right on the bottom.

If the water is really moving, fish all the same spots but with streamers.

This past month alewives have been dropping out of the lakes because they hatched out, so any white marabou pattern should work.

With fall and winter fishing you don’t have the crowds as most have traded a rod for a gun. Usually the best fishing is in the middle of the day, so you have the morning and evening to do other things.

If it’s not trout you’re after but bass, then parts of the Penobscot River are a fly fisherman’s dream. Check the law book. With all this high water I would be fishing any break in the water, points, rocks, and side eddies. I would be throwing Chernobyls, poppers and clousers.

This is the time of year to take more precautions as the water is starting to get colder and hypothermia can set in quickly. I have a flotation device built into my fly fishing vest, so I just have to pull the cord should it become necessary to inflate it. I dress in layers under my waders with a pair of long underwear, fleece pants and an extra pair of socks. During hunting season I wear an orange vest, which is something I think most anglers forget. Also, I let people know exactly where I will be and when I plan on returning.

Your fall opportunities are limitless, so get out there and catch some fish!

Kevin McKay

Master Maine Guide, editor, themaineflyfishingjournal.com

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