A week ago I went to a nearby creek that was relatively low, relatively clear and smallmouth bass could be seen swimming around everywhere.
The numbers catching that day was outstanding.
A few days later we had a down pour that dumped 2 inches of rain on the area in a very short period of time.
Yesterday I went back to the creek with the Fall River Fly Rod set up expecting the same. I expected the fresh water to have stained the creek a bit, brought it up a bit and turned the fish on even more.
Not quite what happened.
The creek was still relatively low, but crystal clear.
Few fish could be seen anywhere.
The water was considerably cooler than a week earlier, almost cold.
Was able to coax a few fish to flies, especially a school of crappie in a long deep pool, but it was hardly a numbers game.
Come fall and cooler temperatures I expect the creeks to empty of fish as they get colder. It’s not fall. It hasn’t been all that cool out and yet, the fish disappeared.
This is about 3 weeks sooner than usual.
Usually come the end of August and into September the smallie fishing on the Fox River is a numbers game. A catch and miss day of 100 fish is not unusual.
I wonder if it’s going to start this week this year.
Nick@BrookfieldAngler.com
9 Aug 2012So the colder the creek gets, the more they move into the main system?
Ken G
10 Aug 2012Happens every end of summer into fall. This year on this creek it’s early, but the water seemed cold. I’m going to check a couple of other sections. It was also extremely clear.
gretchen
9 Aug 2012Ken – all I can say about this years fishing, it has certainly been a learning experience and an adventure. Nothing that has been “normal” patterns seem to apply. Wondering what this cool front around the corner will bring us? Calling for the 80’s this weekend.. I may have have a sweater LOL
Ken G
10 Aug 2012Gretchen, everything started early and now it seems to be ending early, so far anyway.
It better not be a bitter winter. I’ll take the heat over that any day.