November Drifts & Winter Bites
A Harman’s Fly Fishing Dispatch
Cold Water. Clear Mind.
If you think trout season ends in October, think again. November brings its own kind of magic to the North Fork: crisp mornings, quiet water, and trout that strike slow but strong. The air may bite, but the fish are still feeding. You just have to know how to meet them halfway.
Where to Cast
When the water cools, trout move to conserve energy. Look for deeper pools, slow seams, and tailouts where the current softens. Those quiet bends you passed by in summer? That’s where they’re holding now.
River Note: Let your fly drift longer and slower, match the trout’s rhythm, not yours.
Flies That Fool This Month
- Zebra Midge (black or red #20–22) small, subtle, and deadly in cold water.
Pro Tip: Drop a midge or egg behind a streamer for a double-take setup — you’ll thank us later.
Gear for the Chill
Layer smart, not bulky. Fleece and merino keep warmth even when damp. Fingerless wool gloves help you strip line without freezing up. Keep your reel clean and dry, ice can form faster than you think.
River Note: A thermos of black coffee or bone broth can feel like a miracle halfway through a drift.
After the Catch
Back at your cabin, hang waders by the wood stove, pour something warm, and let the river’s quiet follow you inside. This is the season for smaller crowds, deeper rest, and maybe your personal best on a single cast.
Book your Winter Fly Fishing Getaway
Fireside cabins, panoramic redwood saunas, stargazing hot tubs, 2 miles of private river access, and trout that don’t take holidays.
Tight lines till next time,
The Harman’s Family
Your River. Your Cabin. Your Front Row to the best Fly Fishing in the county.