When it comes to catching specks on the fly, November is as good as it gets. A combination of a light south wind and moving tide will make for a nice mess of trout.
Early or late, or under heavy cloud cover, toss a popper or Crease Fly and enjoy some topwater action. Otherwise, a weighted Clouser Minnow or shrimp pattern suspended 2-3 feet under a VOSI will yield school trout.
While reds will be active on just about any day, after a cold front has passed and winds lay down, the action on fly can be epic! The low water will find the Spottail Elvis cruising shorelines looking for displaced crabs and minnows. Try Toads, Charlies, Spoon Flies, and for added fun, poppers.
If the reds are holding to oyster beds, use a fluorocarbon tippet as a safeguard against abrasion. Check the tippet often to make sure it’s still in good shape.
Crappie action picks up this month as the fish congregate near structure and along dropoffs. Try Crappie Candies, Fluff Butts and Silli Butts on a light 8-foot leader. Count the fly down before stripping up.
For coldwater trout enthusiasts, the tailwaters just north of Shreveport — Little Missouri River in Arkansas and Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma — are now getting bi-weekly stockings of rainbows. For now, black or olive Woolybuggers in sizes 10 or 12 is the best bet.