It's time!!

As the temperatures here are falling, the fishing is picking up!  Water temperatures in all areas are where we like to see them in the fall, and the fish are feeding. And now that I'm home and since I put a deer in the freezer, and have some wonderful meat from a bull elk, thanks to my hunting partner, I've been able to spend a bit of time on the water, as well as talk with folks fishing the area. (However, coyotes, beware...I'm after you next.)

Blitzen:  The river has been running in the low 40 cfs range, with temps in the low 40's to low 50's each day. I'm hearing of some good reports the past 2-3 weeks, with some top water action being seen the first couple weeks this month.  Look for fish moving up and down the system, as always, and concentrate on deeper holes. Don't be afraid of days that there is ice on the river....they are still feeding. On warmer days, try an attractor pattern on top solo, or as an indicator with your favorite nymph dropper.

Krumbo:  Fish in the 15-20" range seem to be the main fare, with limits coming to those soaking bait, I've heard. Leech and streamer patterns should be ready to go on floating or intermediate lines. As always, make sure that 3X leader is tied well.

Chickahominy: This fished very well on Monday afternoon, and fairly good Tuesday morning. While several flies were tried amongst three of us, there was one stand out which accounted for all of the fish between two of us, with a close replica doing it's job for the other. Yes, it was brown.... Be armed with the formidable brown woolly bugger and fish it s-l-o-w. Overall, these fish are the fattest I've seen in the three decades I've fished "Chick". These 'bows are running 14-18" for the most part, and are DEEP bodied fish. And strong. And acrobatic. Even the one little guy (9-10") was strong and feisty!  The next few days are to be warm (mid-60's), and I anticipate good fishing until the ice hampers our chase. Water quality is pretty good, with just some bloom atop, but quite clear under it.  If you don't find fish in the first 20-30 min, move to a different depth, possibly dependent on time of day and ambient temperatures.

Beulah: I heard from a buddy hunting that area this past week that there were a couple of boats on the reservoir; however, realize that it is only 20% full (as of tonight) now that the irrigation season is winding down. No reports.