Clear water and hunting fish

The Fall is all open. There has been some nice fish spotted, but getting these fish to move to a fly in the clear water can be tough. The last time out we spotted multiple big fish to target, but only hooked a couple. Seeing and not spooking these fish in the bright sun and clear waters requires a stealthy approach. Walk slowly and softly away from the banks, hiding behind trees and shrubs while peering intently into the waters. It's best to approach from the downstream side and with a low profile. A tungsten green drake nymph or cased caddis are good lead flies to get down with. Attach smaller droppers of the back. Soft hackles are great or PT's, copper johns or midges. There has been a few PMD's hatching midday, so watch closely and if you see some fish rising to these bugs, again approach cautiously. 6x tippet sizes will get more strikes, but remember some of these fish are over 20", so pull softly and with great touch. Streamers can be a day saver, but up size the tippet a bit and cast upstream and past your target. Allow the fly to sink and strip that bugger across the fishes face.