Report from SE MN
    Friday, September 12, it seemed like the perfect day.  It was overcast, temp. in the low 60’s, light wind, was this going to be the day?  It was the perfect condition for the first Baetis (BWO) hatch of the fall season, I had to find out even though it was a week earlier then the hatch would normally happen, but nothing has been normal this year, why would it change now.
    I got down to Trout Run around one in the afternoon and by 1:15 saw my first rise, then a couple more. By 1:30  there were more trout rising and the first fall Baetis hatch I have seen this year was going on.  The hatch lasted to after three and although it was never heavy, it did bring trout up.  The trout were fussy, but with a good presentation, fish were caught.  It wasn’t easy, but it isn’t supposed to be.  If the Baetis are hatching on Trout Run, they should be hatching on all streams.  The best conditions are like I found, cloudy and cool.  If it is sunny and warm, they may not hatch.
    The seasons are changing here in the SE.  Spots of fall colors are showing up and should just keep getting better.  The fall wildflowers are great and both Browns and Brooks are starting to put on their spawning colors.  Stream flows are normal, for the first time for most of the season and fishing on all streams is good.
    On the 15th catch and release and artificials only on all streams takes effect.  This is my favorite time of the year to fish.  The normally beautiful trout streams are getting even more beautiful.  The trout are willing even though they are not easy to catch.  It is just great to be out.
    A little side trip you may want to take.  Trout are trying to jump up Bucksnort dam this time of the year.  It is a lot of fun watching browns acting like salmon and you could be supprised at the size of some of them.  It doesn’t happen all of the time, but if you get to see it, it is great.
 
Wayne Bartz