Persistent, strong winds have plagued fly casters this fall. Here’s hoping December brings calm to the marsh. If it does, sight-casting opportunities for the Spottail Elvis should be prime.
On days following a cold front, look for exposed backs and tails on tidal flats. With shrimp no longer the main course, it’s a good time to try crab and baitfish patterns such as Borski Slider, Merkin Crab, Whitlock Baitfish and Seaducer.
Patterns in darker colors — like a black Charlie, purple Haley’s Comet, or rootbeer Spoonfly — work well on both clear and overcast days.
Hot topwater action for speckled trout continues this month. Early mornings or overcast days are best. Try a Foil Pencil Popper, Skipping Bug, or Bob’s Banger. If poppers don’t work, go with a 1/50-ounce (eyes) black/chartreuse or LSU (purple/gold) clouser off the bottom.
Sac-a-lait come on strong this month. Fluff butts, size 6 clousers, lead-eye woolybuggers, and Crappie Candies in blue/white, pink/white and black/chartreuse will work.
In reservoirs in the northern and central parishes, fish will often suspend along creek beds at 8 to 10 feet. No need for a sinking line — just tie weighted flies on a long finesse leader to get it to the proper depth.
Later this month, Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation will once again stock a few of its ponds with rainbow trout. This coldwater species loves flies, especially black or olive woolybuggers. The same tackle you use for bream can be used for “rainbeauxs”. Be aware that the limit is four per day and is strictly enforced.
