November Expectations

The Witch of November, referenced in the Gordon Lightfoot song, "The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald," refers to strong stormy winds that sometimes occur on the Great Lakes this time of year. Those of us living east of the Rocky Mountain Front are all too familiar with such winds. We may not be faced with 15’ waves and sinking ships, but the Witchy wind does blow.

November is a major transitional month. We’ll often experience some mild and wonderfully enjoyable days. We can be certain though, that at some point, the Witch will come calling. She will likely bring with her a blizzard followed by ice cold conditions.

The Fly Adjustments
For the angler and the fish, November is a month you don’t want to take for granted. If the weather is good, you better take advantage of the day. The fish will be eating heavily as the water temperatures drop toward the lower 40’s.

Expect Nymphing to be very strong for most of the month. Trout are still in high caloric demand mode. Their metabolisms are going strong while water temperatures remain relatively mild. The days are getting shorter and trout will keep the feed bags on throughout the day. There are no mid-day rest periods or afternoon lulls like we often find during summer days. Scuds and Sow Bugs are heavily favored once again. Zebra Midges and little mayfly nymphs are solid.

For the dry fly lover, midges and baetis can produce lots of heads. Some of the best dry fly action of the year can occur on any given day. The gray days of November can load the top of the water column with hatching bugs and feeding trout. It won’t be every day. There may only be a golden few, but if you can be there when conditions are right; it does not get any better.

Quality streamer fishing is typically a hallmark of fall fishing. The weeds are clearing out. The river is wide open. The fish are hungry. Early in the month, they will still be on the chase. As water temperatures drop toward the lower 40s, slow your presentations down. Slower retrieves and slower swings will become favorable.

November is a great month to work the two hander. Fish are still scattered on some of the larger flats and two handed casts can cover lots of water efficiently. Flashy minnow flies and leech like stuff are standard fare. Soft Hackles can also produce very well.

Need to stock up on your favorite flies? Check out our fly selection here

When The Chill Sets In
Sometimes, we make it all the way through November with favorable water temperatures. Sometimes, we’ll see subzero air temperatures that drop the deep chill smack down on the water. When the deep chill sets in, the fish will relax and shift their locations and feeding patterns. Metabolically, they slow way down. Feeding periods will shift to the warmest portion of the day. They will shun the faster runs in favor of the slower inside edges, deeper buckets and corners.
What To Expect
So the takeaways. November can still provide some fantastic fishing days. Don’t let the nice days slip away. Nymphing is always strong. Streamers are on the menu. It’s a great month for two handed trout Spey action. Dry fly action is coming to a close, but on a gray November day, it might be life altering. Watch the water temperatures and adjust your game plan accordingly.

So, do you spend the nicest days of the month working in the yard or do you go fly fishing? I think you know my answer. Stop by for key flies, a new streamer line for the single hander, a new Spey head or tip for the two hander, or that new rod or reel you’ve been thinking about all summer and fish on.

Need to stock up on gear before you go? Check out our fly fishing selection here