Mountains on the Menu

Mountain lakes have been fishing well these past few weeks.

Chironomid (midge) hatches proved to figure prominently at most lakes. This time of year small flies and fine tippets are the way to go - midge pupae in size #18-20 fished just sub-surface on a floating line will usually get results. Watch for cruising fish and cast well ahead of them. If there is no activity on top, try adding one or more small split shot to work deeper in the water column.

Chironomids swarming over a mountain lake

Aside from Chironomids, hatches are usually sparse this late in the season; making this prime time for terrestrials. If conditions are right trout can often be seen cruising the shoreline in search of terrestrial insects that have been blown onto the water. Meadow settings may see the odd hopper on the water but on most lakes tiny flying ants and beetles (#18), and yellow & black hover fly imitations (#14-16) are my top picks.

A nice Brook Trout cruising for terrestrial bugs