In November when the majority of our trout waters are closed to angling, the bulk of the sportsmen are in the woods pursuing game, the leaves are gone, and snow is more a reality than a possibility, there is still some quality fly fishing available to the dedicated angler. While streamers, nymphs and woolly buggers will all catch fish, it is the Tiny Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatch that excites me the most.

Not to be confused with the spring hatch of the same nickname (i.e. Blue Dun/Dun Variant or Ephemerellidae Drunella for those whom prefer Latin), these tiny mayflies are best distinguished by the triple vs. double tail and diminutive size (#18-#26). Members of the baetidae family of mayflies (commonly referred to as Baetis), these miniature versions of the classic mayfly range in color from Olive, to Rust Brown to Yellowish.

Often mistaken for midges by casual angler due to their minute size, a quick inspection will show the upright wings and long tails of th mayfly which although smaller are every bit as perfect as the better known hatches of the spring. While available most of the year, it is the fall emergence that seems to be of the most interest to the fish. In addition, the Tiny BWO's signal the long-awaited return of the mid-afternoon hatches that have all but gone since early summer.

While an unreasonably warm and sunny day may produce some level of a hatch, a typical cold and dark November day will produce a hatch that while not prolific like the spring hatches, will get fish feeding and keep them feeding for well over an hour. The typical fall Tiny BWO hatch often begins just after lunch peaking between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Additionally, on a number of occasions, I have experienced delayed hatches that did not start until I had all but given up hope.

For tackle, I personally recommend a slow-action 9' 3-Weight to help protect light tippets and control large fish. Although sufficient for most dry fly fishing, rods of heavier line weights (4-weight and up) or shorter lengths (7'-8') are often not effective for classic late season BWO hatches. As for reels, a smooth-functioning disc drag (not all discs are created equal!) or classic click-and-pawl style reel are the anglers best choices.

As for leaders, the longer the better! While the angler should use at least a 9' leader, leaders of 10' to 13' will work even better. Although my choice for many other situations, "Knotted" style leaders are not always the best choice due to the fact that the dimples caused by the knots are not much small than the dimples caused the by the flies. As such, my recommendation is a longer than average "Tapered style leader such as Umpqua's 13' "Spring Creek" series.

While 4x-5x will suffice for most fly fishing in Maine, fall BWO's require that the angler use tippets no larger than 6x, and often on 7x will work. For flies fished in the film, I recommend a supple Copolymer such as Redington's Fly.Tippet (which has the highest "Diameter-to-Strength ratio in its class). For droppers fished under the surface, a supple Fluorocarbon with a high "Diameter-to-Strength" ratio such as Rio's FluoroFlex Plus is your best bet.

For flies, the angler should carry a variety of dries, emergers and nymphs in sizes #18-#26. While traditional "Catskill" style dry flies will work, modern adaptations such as the Parachute, Comparadun, or CDC Domparadun will work better. As for emergers, a CDC, Loop-Wing or Palomino style are my favorite patterns. For nymphs fished as droppers, a tiny Hare's Ear (standard or olive), Olive Pheasant Tail Disco or Zebra Midge (black or olive) will work the best.

We in the Kennebec Valley are fortunate to have quality trout water with reliable fall BWO hatches open in November (in fact, the Kennebec below the dam in Skowhegan is open year-round). Another river to try is the Androscoggin below Giliad (open to Catch-and-Release angling through November). Beyond these waters, anglers will have to read the IF&W "Open Water Regulations" and do some exploring on their own to find fishable water closer to home.