Hey everyone I just joined, I'm pretty new to fly fishing, I just got interested and started this spring, and Im wondering what flies and areas around duluth would be good this time of year with a 6 wieght rod (im in college and have a very limited budget, hence the one rod)
thanks for any help, it is appreciated!
I assume the budget comment means you'll be wade fishing? Check some of the posts about smallmouth in the St Louis & Cloquet Rivers. Sounds like streamers are working right now and a 6wt is just about right for river smallies. The water might be up a bit with this recent rain but those rivers are usually wadeable in spots. For example there is decent wade fishing on the Cloquet near the HW53 bridge, on the St Louis near the HW2 bridge, etc. A willingness to hike a bit always helps, too.
Also, this time of year there is the possibility of picking up salmon and trout in north shore rivers. Most rivers have a relatively short distance between the lake and the first waterfall barrier, so it's not like you have miles and miles of stream to consider. Some fish are caught by wading out near the river mouths, casting near the outflows with streamers & nymphs. A 6wt is fine for this kind of thing, too, though fishing the big lake there is always the possibility of something huge (ie. lake trout, chinook salmon, steelhead) coming along and kicking your ass, which is part of the reason I like an 8wt for this kind of thing. There are some special regulations for fishing the north shore so read up and 1) make sure you're legal in terms of gear and the place you're fishing, and 2) know the seasons and identifying characteristics for the different species.
This area has a lot of diversity in terms of fly fishing - I'm sure you'll find something to get you started. The important thing is to get out there as much as you can and learn as you go. There is also a good fly shop downtown you should check out - Great Lakes Fly Angler.
Welcome bjohn.
I second everything thistle mentioned as well. I used to fish the NS during the salmon hay days, but don't fish the NS as much anymore. Since I don't hunt small game much anymore, most of my time in the fall is still fly fishing, namely for bass, pike and muskies.
Fall time for warmwater fish is definately minnow oriented, baitfish, etc. Althouh flies like wooly buggers, crawfish, and leech patterns still produce, but nothing like big topwaters or minnow type flies. Clousers and streamer patterns are my go to pattern for fall time for big smallies. Big poppers are good during certain times of the day during the fall, but streamer patterns produce all day long. The fish can sense the changing of the seasons and start to feed agressively throughout the day, just not all at the same time, putting on the feed bag for developing eggs and for the long winter.
bjohn, you can head out with me if you want some company. I have a 2 man pontoon boat that I used on the St. Louis river and you more then welcome to come along. One thing though, we have to switch on and off from rowing to fishing. The person in the middle does the rowing, while the guy in front does the fishing and we can switch on and off. And if your willing to help carry the boat and gear to the water. Oh and one more thing, you have to tie your own flies to your leader
Looks like I'll be heading out fishing this Saturday morning on the St. Louis, if you want to come along, give me a call at 218-590-1712. I have to watch how the weather is going and what the water levels are doing before I make the call. Call me if you interested, or anyone for that matter. I don't have a guided trip that day, so I'm going fly fishing! The bass action if great right now.
Thanks for all the help, and the offer. Its veeerrrry tempting to go but I'll be in Wisconsin visiting some friends all weekend.thanks though! (oh, and i can tie my flies to my leader)
No problem, we can hook some time later, Fall is a long season, well thats if people handle fishing through October. It worked out good, because I was just going to post that I am taking someone out on Saturday and won't be available.
But the invite extends to anyone thats wants to come out fly fishing with me, but I always make it clear that I'll be wetting a line as well .
(oh, and i can tie my flies to my leader)
Have fun and tight lines!
