“Eighty percent of success is showing up” — Woody Allen
I’ve been fishing east and west of the Divide with a friend, Roman. Mostly west. The good weather has been hanging in: clear skies; warm Autumn afternoon light…the best light. Some rivers have been spectacular. Some bugless and lifeless. I’m fortunate to live in a region where a 30-45 minute drive can deliver you to a variety of rivers if the one you are on is unproductive. The key, as always, is to show up, look, explore.
Large Bull trout are on redds in the mountains streams. The Brown trout in the lower rivers are not paired-up yet. There are fewer anglers around. It’s a great time of year to squeeze whatever juice is left out of the dry fly year. Hopefully BWO’s are still to come on some of the tailwater rivers. And maybe even some Mahoganies. I’ll wait for a low front, overcast skies and light wind and then show up. That’s the recipe to find a late season large colorful Brown trout sipping on the surface.
Some images from a week ago.
trout on dries 
Wow, those trout should be wearing saddles!
Greg; Funny! Nice to find some good ones near end of season…BTW Greg where do you fish? And thanks for posting.
bob
I live in Pennsylvania and I’m equidistant from the upper Delaware River system (East and West branches, mainstem, and their various classic freestone tribs) and the big limestoners of central PA. Both are crunching through another acute drought.
I also try to get out your way every few years – first fished the East Kootenays in 2013 and the Alberta front range a few years later – it was love at first sight. I’ve also fished many of the same waters throughout the American west that Jim frequents but not as religiously as him. I like to target the indigenous fish that I can’t catch at home (not that the Delaware kicks out rainbows the size of the Mo – ours top out at 19”).
Cutthroats of all flavors will always be my favorite when I’m there. I’ve got plenty of snooty browns in the east.
Greg: I think I recall in the past you saying you fish the Delaware system and creeks in that region. Not a bad place for a fly angler and also close to those Penn creeks just west of you. Drought, yes it is everywhere. Our fisheries have suffered from low water for yrs. Some rivers in my mind have never recovered from the low water/flows. Each year more challenging to find good water and trout…but good fish still around.
When I lived in Montreal did several trips to fish the west branch of Delaware. Drove up the east branch but never fished it. West branch just beautiful. Big fish and great bug life. I remember wading around giant islands looking for risers. Morning fog with the cold water releases from reservoir in contrast to warm spring and summer air temperatures. Love the whole region: rolling hills, thick deciduous forests…
On west branch camped at Al Caucci’s (sp) place some years. Enjoyed the fly shop with all the Latin bug names on a chalk or white board. Learned a lot by visiting that river: hatches, stages of a hatch. Also camped at some nearby state or local park on some trips. If you can catch trout in that river, you can catch them anywhere. I’m sure same applies for Penn creeks.
You’ve fished all over…the best in the east and west. You are fortunate. Good for you for exploring great water whenever you get the chance to go.
Jim is a fishing machine. Catches everywhere. Amazing fly selections and knowledge of west and probably other areas.
If you get back out this way, feel free to contact…
bob
Thanks Bob. I’m approaching retirement so God-willing I’ll be out your way and other areas much more often.
I’m not so sure I didn’t already meet you on the Elk in 2013 or 2015. I recall a pleasant conversation with a tall local who welcomed me to his home waters, and offered me first shot at a pool/logjam. I’ve also stopped at Vic’s shop on my drives over the pass.
Sounds like you know this region well. I fished the Elk a lot in early 2000s but not as much 2010 onward….but I’ll take credit for being polite on the river, ha.
Vic’s shop closed this summer. Big loss. Worked for him part time after I retired for 4 summers. We have one shop left: crowsnest cafe and fly shop…they have all the basics and good coffee and food.
Fernie still has 2 shops.
Take care
bob