To fish or not to fish?

That is a good question, come fall. Why? Some of our most beloved quarry have been making fish babies for millennia in the autumn. Proper stewardship necessitates we wade lightly and cast conscientiously during their more amorous intervals.

So when do you lay off? Ask four different anglers and you might get four different answers. There is no hard and fast rule (although there is often a hard and fast law). Today I’ve put together four of my own criteria. And that is all it is: my criteria. Take a look, think about how you want to approach fishing around the fall spawn, and make a good choice for yourself and your local waterway.

Follow the rules

Consulting your state’s fish and game department ought to be step one. While it isn’t a steadfast rule, your local agency probably has policies in place to protect the fish that ought to be protected. The most vulnerable populations inevitably have the extra attention of signs posted at access points, parking lot kiosks, or on streamside trees. Don’t go fishing unless you know you can go fishing.

Notice the changes

If you fish a stream regularly enough, or if you fish in general with any sort of consistency, you’ll probably notice when fish are doing something different. They may be holding in the middle of the stream in twos or threes. They might be much less spooky and out in the open. To be fair: fish do weird stuff sometimes. But if you know you’re on the shoulder of spawning season, assume they’re getting ready for romance and leave them to it.

Ask the experts

If you don’t feel confident to read the water yourself, ask the local fly shop proprietor. If that isn’t an option reach out to the TU chapter in your area. Even if “follow the rules” (above) isn’t clear cut or conclusive, there is a good chance that an officer at the regional level or a biologist at HQ will have some helpful intel.

Be the conservative

If you’re on the fence, don’t fish. Most of us have other outdoor pursuits we can engage in for a few months. Many of us have other angling opportunities for other trout species that aren’t spawning. If you have strong convictions and want to do your part just give them a little bit of space.