The Changing Colors

Thousands of people will descend upon the mountains in the upcoming weeks. We are fortunate enough to live in a region with four distinct seasons. Many do not have that. To chose a resting place with a warm winter usually means the lack of a fall and spring. If you chose a place with a cool summer, winter will seem to last all year. Our landscape in western North Carolina is always changing because the seasons are changing. The most obvious beacon of fall is the changing of the leaves. Brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges paint the hillsides and many come to view this work of art.

There is another change in color that the fall brings. We are coming upon the fall spawn of Brook and Brown Trout. When spawning, colors on a trout are more brilliant and accentuated. The Brook Trout show off purples, blues, and oranges that usually are not visible. In a word, they are electric. They are plugged-in-neon. It is a total eclipse of the color of the trees but most do not see it. Some of those that do appreciate this change think that not everyone deserves to catch a trout and therefore they should not be allowed to witness the spectacular beauty of these fish. Maybe this is true. To paraphrase the movie A River Runs Though It, "Those that can not make a proper fly casting presentation to a trout should not disgrace it by catching it." This change is a reverent occasion and can be guarded by anglers. I'll never tell where I go to participate in the event!

When you are out on a river this time of year look for creeks that feed into it. If the water is cooler it may be a good place for spawning trout to gather. Work up the creek if you can. You would be surprised to see some of the fish that make it up these creeks. If you are fishing a reservoir do the same thing. Look for the incoming streams of water that could change the temperature of the surrounding water. Trout will go there. While enjoying the wonders of the trout please remember they have a job to do. Splendid as they are to look at, they are even more so in their ritualistic mating dance with full costume of color.

If you are not fishing now, it is a good time to start. Not only are the fish prettier but also the water is right for fishing again. Temperatures are down, bugs are hatching, and the fish are biting while they are changing colors. The only way to make a "proper fly casting presentation to a trout" is to get out there and practice. And if you happen to catch a trout it will not be disgraced if you put it back, look at the painting before you, and reverently say, "Thank You."