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Understanding Trout Behavior at the End of the Season
During this time of year, trout enter the pre-spawning phase and become more aggressive, but also more wary due to accumulated fishing pressure. The water is gradually cooling, which changes their location: they leave the deep, cool areas they frequented in the summer to move closer to the banks, pools, and areas where they can spawn.
Water temperature remains a key factor: aim for early morning (5 a.m.?8 a.m.) or evening (5 p.m.?8 p.m.) fishing sessions, when the water is cooler and fish are most active.
Choosing the Right Spots and the Right Timing
On the river
- Calm areas downstream of the rapids and the shaded hollows beneath the riverbanks
- Countercurrents, eddies, and brief bursts of speed at the end of the stream, where the trout come to get some oxygen
- Current Limitations and ?pockets? behind the rocks
On a lake
- Mouthpiece areas early in the morning from the shore
- Depths between 30 and 70 cm in October, using medium-weight or deep-diving lines
- Cold Water Inflows and areas with slow-moving currents
Reduce discretion
Since the trout are at their most wary, it?s essential to be discreet when approaching them. Use thinner fluorocarbon or nylon leaders to throw them off guard. During some lure fishing sessions, you can even skip using swivels and snaps for a more natural presentation.
Adjust the size of the bait
In the low waters of late season, downsize your flies to match the small insects that are hatching. Small flies don?t necessarily mean small fish: watch the water closely to identify what?s drifting on the surface film.
Technical Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Extend the tip and take some nice, relaxed shots to avoid coming across as too forward with the younger models.
- If a fish is active but isn't biting, try a different lure and lean over the water to see what's there.
- When fishing in a reservoir in the fall, constantly adjust the depth and retrieval speed.
On Lures
- Rotating spoon (Mepps Aglia No. 1?3, Blue Fox Vibrax): versatile, slow and steady retrieve, perpendicular to the river current.
- Wavy spoon (Williams Wabler, Lake Clear Wabbler): Ideal for deep lakes and wide rivers; let it sink, then retrieve it slowly to mimic an injured fish.
- In a river, cast at a 45° angle upstream, let it drift slightly, then retrieve it at a steady speed.
Toc fishing
- Use light, flexible, and spread-out weights to adapt to the river's low flow rates.
- For clear water, stick to earthworms, caddisflies, and wood-dwelling insects.
Respect the resource and comply with regulations
During this sensitive pre-spawning period, handling fish requires special care. If you practice catch-and-release:
- Wet your hands before touching the fish
- Limit the time spent out of the water at the very least
- Return the boat to the water in a calm area by holding the fish against the current until it regains its strength
Be sure to strictly observe the closure dates and restricted areas, as some areas may close earlier to protect breeding activities.
Weather and Ideal Conditions
The best conditions for trout fishing at the end of the season:
- Cloudy weather with light, fine rain
- Air Temperature between 12 and 15°C
- Stable atmospheric pressure between 1010 and 1020 hPa
- The period around the new moon
Avoid fishing in direct sunlight between noon and 4:00 p.m., especially when the air temperature exceeds 30°C.
The closure of the trout fishing season presents a unique opportunity to catch beautiful pre-spawning fish, which are more aggressive and active. By adapting your techniques, choosing the right spots, and respecting the fishery, you?ll end your season on a high note with some great catches to show for it.
