September is a month of transition. As we approach the fall equinox, shorter days and radiative cooling of water temperatures triggers annual migration and feeding habits.
In freshwater, it’s school time for bass. Topwater baitfish imitations like the Rabid Dog or subsurface shad imitations like tan/white Deceivers or EP flies will result in many strikes. For deeper fish, using an intermediate fly line will increase your “luck.” If that doesn’t work, pearl or gold spoon flies are always reliable, even if they catch smaller fish.
Bream will make their final spawning run of the year. The fish tend to be smaller than the spring variety, but will make up for that in numbers. Try popping bugs late, and jitterbees under a VOSI at other times.
Jack crevalle have invaded Lake Pontchartrain. Baitfish patterns work great for this species. You’ll need at least a 10-weight rod, and a reel with a great drag that holds lots of backing. Once you hook one, it can become an hour-long tug-o-war.
September finds schooling bull reds on the beaches and in the passes. Any tropical storm in the Gulf is likely to push some into the interior marshes around Hopedale, Buras, Grand Isle, Leeville and Theriot. While these fish will hit the usual redfish patterns, you might have to upsize your flies, say from size 4 to size 1, to have a shot at landing these Redzillas.
The white trout run peaks this month. Find a reef or hard bottom with moving water, and you can load up on 12-plus-inch fish. If you use a floating line, then use a long (9-foot) leader and a weighted fly. Let the fly get to the bottom, and then make short, quick strips.
