Read the Water and Pick Your Weapon

As the sun sinks into the horizon earlier each day and the flaming foliage slowly alters the landscape, a welcomed change is in the crisp air.  As September ends the ecosystem is in full swing of preparation.  Not only are we as humans preparing for the winter season, but the plants, insects and animals are in full awareness of the need to survive. Although nature is not conscious as to the significance of the autumnal equinox, nature is keen to the change of temperature and solar illumination.

Many outdoorsmen see the fall season and dream of bows and bucks.  Anglers in PA, on the other

hand, salivate of monster wild browns and brilliant native brooks.  By far, there is no better season to trout fish, than the fall season.  A drop in water temperature is a signal to these fish that it is time to get fat.  The more a trout can eat during the fall, the more fat reserves are created and a better chance of survival through winter when food is limited.  This feeding frenzy can result in hooking into larger than average fish, as the older wiser trout are more interested in eating and willing to bite.

In order to give you the best chance at landing good fish, I have highlighted 4 key lures to have within your tackle box.  In fact, these are the only lures I ever carry with me in the fall. (Fly fisherman need not read any further.)  Along with highlighting the best lures, I have illustrated how to throw the bait.

 4) The Original Floating Rapala

It's the original because it is versatile.  Throw up or down steam with success. Limit use in shallow water and use in larger sections of stream.  Although this lure can be used in a multitude of locations, it may not be the be the best when encountering different stream dynamics. 

3) Rapala's Ultra Light Shad

The lip on this bait allows for use in only one area, deep pockets! This bait dives fast so be sure to reel

slow and add a couple twitches.  Utilize the ULS within an eddy or any slow channel that will harbor large fish down deep.

2) Rapala's Flat rap

This lure really puts on a show.  Throw in very slow moving water and add a fast (but not hard) twitching action with a slow retreavel.  This bait will dance, drive trout wild, and will seem irresistible as it will pull trout out from under logs and cover.

1) Rapala's Ultra Light Minnow

The ULM is the absolute bomb of a bait.  It will almost always produce a trout on the other end of your line. Toss upstream and allow to slowly sink as you reel and twitch. It will appear as though it is a dying fry drifting in the water and will attract trout of all size, especially the hogs.

To answer the question you may have...  No, I am not sponsored by Rapala, nor to I receive any benefits. From my personal experience and time on the water, these Rapala lures have out preformed every other option trout lure option. They work well for me, and the evidence provided should suffice.

Good luck and C&R Wild Trout!