Let me begin by saying that I fish streamers all season long, but fall is usually the most productive time. Water temperatures have dropped from their summer peak, the end of irrigation season should create a bump in flows and the onset of fall rains will bring cloudy days that put big trout on the feed. In fall, large brown trout migrate to spawning areas from lower river reaches or reservoirs where summer living was more acceptable, creating additional opportunities in some streams. To pursue these fish, you should be ready to use weighted streamers and rethink the delicate presentations you used in summer.
RODS, LINES AND LEADERS
Your 9-foot, 5- and 6-weight rods should be just fine. On small streams, step down to a shorter 4-weight and use the smaller sizes of the flies discussed below. If you fish pocket water and smaller pools in 2- to 6-foot depths
