2014 Fly Fishing Opener on Fall River

Opening Day Report

The 2014 Fly Fishing Trout Opener on Fall River can be a warm, dry spring-like experience, or downright freezing! This year, those who fended off the wind and rain were rewarded with some pretty decent fishing on the Fall River for the opening day of the 2014 general trout season. Saturday started out with ice-covered boat seats and temperatures in the high-20’s. By the time we reached the first fishing spot, the temp had raised to the mid-30’s. After seeing only a few fish on the ride down river, it was a surprise to hook a good number of fish in the first hour. Most of the fish we hooked were hanging in the deeper water. The fish were real receptive to medium-sized flies being pulled on a type-3 sinking line. Since it was the first time in five months that the fish have even seen a fly, fly selection was not to critical. Around noon the wind was starting to pick up, making it difficult to keep the boat in position. Under those conditions, it is usually a good time to fish the shallows. However, with the reduced weed growth that is normal at this time of year, there is very little habitat for insects in the shallow water for now, so the deeper runs proved to be the better choice. That will change by June. Fish were on the take all day, going for everything from PT’s to leaches. By the end of the day the clouds came in bringing with them the threat of wind and rain.

Things started out a little slower on Sunday; the weather was not much better, but temperatures were warmer. By the time we reached our first fishing spot, the wind was already up making it necessary to find a sheltered spot. We did find some fish hanging out in the shallows, which made it fun to swing with a type-2 sinking line. The fish were a little pickier that day, maybe due to the weather front moving in. That day, they were being taken on black micro mayflies and olive soft hackels. Those were the two bugs we used all day – and the fish didn’t seem to mind at all. Most of the fish we took over the weekend ranged from 13 -to-16 inches, but we did manage to take two 18-incher’s. In addition, we did see a number of fish in the 20-inch range. As the day progressed and the wind picked up, it became necessary to try and stay in the sheltered areas of the river. This wasn’t too difficult, since the wind had sent a good number of boats back to the docks! Even though we are in a drought year, the fishing outlook for the Fall River looks good. This river will have great water all summer long. All in all, the weekend was a successful opener!

If you have questions or comments, let me know what you think by posting in the comments section below. I’d want to hear from all of you. Thanks for reading.