Fall fishing, foliage will pick up soon

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The official beginning of autumn Sept.23rd,   and though our afternoon temps aren’t feeling very fall-ish, it won’t be long before we’re enjoying all the season has to offer.
  Many folks will tell you that fall is their favorite Rhode Island season; if you’re an outdoorsy type, you may be a member of that club.
Crisp mornings, bright but cool afternoons, the smell of wood smoke in the air as the first among us fire up their stoves for a bit of heat — all are among my favorite parts of fall.
  So, too, are the activities. If you hunt for birds or deer, your season is coming. If you just like to drive around and play the role of leaf-peeper, you’re in luck. And if you like to stand thigh-deep in a river, casting a fly to beautiful trout, things will be picking up soon.
  Here then, are a few seasonal notes to get us rolling toward the official beginning of autumn:

  Let’s start with the leaves. Be honest: Even those of us who’d never think of embarking on a true leaf-peeping tour probably spend a fair amount of time ogling the foliage when we’re out and about.
Unofficially, here’s my mid-September report from Burrillville: Foliage is still largely green. It’s nearly 80 degrees outside. Let’s go to the beach.

Rivers flowing, let’s fish

During the dog days of late summer — after river and stream temperatures have risen into the 70s — some folks stow their fly rods and wait for conditions to improve.
  Here’s a note to consider: Conditions are improving.
Cool nights, combined with changing flow regimes on rivers that are dam-controlled, will lead to some improved fishing in the weeks ahead.
 And maybe it’s time to grab a fly rod and head to the Arcadia Wood River area,

Tip of the week: Stock up on medium sized "Kastmaster" type lures for the fall feeding frenzy in Long Island Sound. This year the small menhaden (peanut bunker) have been present in very large schools throughout the sound. Bluefish, False Albacore, and Striped Bass will be gorging themselves on this bounty. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphin (both being reported in the sound).

Bonus" Connecticut Fall Trout Stocking

Trout Stocking Update: September 24, 2015. The Pequabuck River, Routes 229-177 in Bristol was stocked today. Good luck!