Name: Autumn Moon Rising
SKU: 9743
Availability: InStock

Description

Autumn Moon Rising: Flies for a Fall Evening Swing Good Time

Picture this: a crisp fall evening, the air smells like pine and regret, and you’re standing knee-deep in a river, casting a fly that looks like it was designed by a mad scientist who loves chartreuse way too much. That’s the Autumn Moon Rising, a fly so bold it could probably convince a steelhead to leap out of the water and high-five you. Tied on an Alec Jackson size 5 spey hook, this bad boy sports a fluorescent chartreuse dyed squirrel tail, a back two-thirds body of Fl. Chartreuse Monster Bush Fur Wire Brush, a front third of Fl. Steelhead Slammer Monster Bush Fur Wire Brush, four wraps of palmed grizzly schlappen dyed claret, and an arctic fox hair wing that screams, “I’m here to party.” It’s the fly fishing equivalent of a neon sign in a dive bar—impossible to ignore. Let’s dive into why this fly is your ticket to a swinging good time, from the wilds of Alaska to the trout-filled waters of Montana, with a side of sarcastic humor to keep things real.

Autumn Moon Rising, the Glow Stick of Spey Flies

First, let’s talk about this fly. The Autumn Moon Rising isn’t just a fly; it’s a statement. That fluorescent chartreuse squirrel tail? It’s like the fish equivalent of a neon “Open” sign at a 24-hour diner. The Monster Bush Fur Wire Brush in chartreuse and steelhead slammer gives it a body so beefy it could probably bench press a small trout. The grizzly dyed claret schlappen adds just enough flair to say, “I’m fancy, but I still get dirty.” And that arctic fox hair wing? It flows in the current like a supermodel’s hair in a shampoo commercial. Tied on an Alec Jackson size 5 spey hook, this fly is built for business—specifically, the business of convincing salmon, steelhead, and trout to make bad life choices.

This fly is designed for swinging, that classic fly fishing technique where you cast across the current, let the fly drift, and pray some fish with a Napoleon complex takes a swing at it. It’s perfect for fall, when the leaves are turning, the water’s cooling, and the fish are feeling frisky. Whether you’re chasing steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or teasing trout in Montana, the Autumn Moon Rising is your wingman for an epic evening on the water.

Swinging for Steelhead: From Alaska to Steelhead Alley

Let’s start our journey in Alaska, where the rivers are so packed with salmon and steelhead you half expect them to start handing out numbered tickets like at the DMV. Places like the Kenai and the Kvichak are steelhead and salmon meccas. The Autumn Moon Rising shines here because its bright colors cut through the glacial silt like a spotlight. Cast it into a deep run, let it swing through the current, and hold on tight—those Alaskan steelhead hit like a freight train with a personal vendetta. The chartreuse body screams “dinner’s ready” to fish that have seen every fly pattern under the sun.

Head south to Canada’s British Columbia, and you’re in steelhead nirvana. Rivers like the Skeena and Bulkley are where the Autumn Moon Rising gets to flex its muscles. The fluorescent hues and bushy profile make it stand out in the tea-colored waters of fall, where steelhead are just waiting to smash something that looks like a cross between a glow stick and a disco ball. Pro tip: don’t be surprised if you hook a fish so big it tries to tow you to the Pacific Ocean. It’s happened before, and it’ll happen again.

Down in the Pacific Northwest, rivers like the Deschutes, Rogue, and Umpqua are steelhead central. The Autumn Moon Rising is a natural fit here, with its bold colors popping against the moody, mossy backdrops of Oregon and Washington. Swinging flies in these rivers is like playing a slot machine—you keep casting, hoping for that one big payout. And when a steelhead grabs your fly, it’s like hitting the jackpot, except instead of coins, you get a fish that fights like it’s auditioning for a Hollywood action movie.

Then there’s Idaho’s Clearwater River, where steelhead fishing is practically a religion. The Clearwater’s deep pools and fast runs are perfect for swinging the Autumn Moon Rising. That claret schlappen and arctic fox wing give it just enough sass to tempt a steelhead that’s seen more flies than a tackle shop clearance bin. The Clearwater’s steelhead are notorious for their size and attitude, so be ready for a fight that’ll leave you questioning your life choices.

Finally, let’s talk Steelhead Alley, that stretch of rivers along Lake Erie’s tributaries in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. These steelhead are lake-run beasts, and they love a fly that stands out in the crowd. The Autumn Moon Rising is like the loudmouth at a party—impossible to ignore. Swing it through runs like the Chagrin or the Cattaraugus, and you’ll have steelhead lining up to take a swing. Just don’t expect them to be polite about it; these fish fight dirty.

Swinging for Trout: Montana’s Madison and Yellowstone Rivers

Now, let’s switch gears and talk trout. Montana’s Madison and Yellowstone rivers are the stuff of fly fishing legend, like the Beyoncé of trout streams—iconic, flawless, and just a little intimidating. Swinging flies Spring and Fall for trout might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but hear me out: it’s like slow-dancing with a fish that’s got two left fins and a bad attitude.

On the Madison, the Autumn Moon Rising is a secret weapon for fall trout. The river’s fast runs and deep buckets are perfect for swinging, and that chartreuse body is like catnip for brown trout and rainbows looking for a hearty meal before winter. The arctic fox wing gives the fly a lifelike wiggle that says, “I’m a juicy bug, not one of those fake streamers you keep falling for.” Cast it downstream, mend your line like you’re conducting a symphony, and let the fly do its magic. The Madison’s trout aren’t pushovers, so when one smacks your fly, it’s like getting a fist bump from a fish with a PhD in attitude.

The Yellowstone River is another trout playground where the Autumn Moon Rising shines. This river’s got it all—big water, big fish, and big views that make you feel like you’re starring in your own fly fishing movie. In fall, the Yellowstone’s brown trout get aggressive, and swinging a bright, bushy fly like this one is like waving a red flag at a bull. The grizzly schlappen adds a touch of flair that browns can’t resist, and the steelhead slammer front third gives it just enough heft to tempt a trout that’s been around the block. Swing it through a riffle or a deep pool, and you might just hook a fish that makes you forget all about your day job.

Why Swinging Flies in Fall is the Best

Fall is prime time for swinging flies. The water’s cooling, the fish are bulking up for winter, and the rivers are less crowded than a vegan barbecue. The Autumn Moon Rising is built for this season, with its bold colors cutting through the low light of a fall evening like a knife through warm butter. Swinging flies is all about rhythm—cast, mend, swing, repeat. It’s meditative, until a fish slams your fly and reminds you that nature doesn’t mess around.

The beauty of swinging is that it’s versatile. Steelhead, salmon, trout—they all fall for a well-presented fly. The Autumn Moon Rising works because it’s got the size, color, and movement to grab attention, whether you’re fishing the glacial rivers of Alaska or the freestone streams of Montana. Plus, let’s be real: there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your fly swing through a run, knowing that at any moment, a fish could turn your quiet evening into a full-on wrestling match.

Tips for Swinging the Autumn Moon Rising

Gear Up Right: Use a spey or switch rod for steelhead and salmon—something in the 6- to 8-weight range. For trout, a 5- or 6-weight single-hand rod works fine. Pair it with a sink-tip line to get that fly down where the fish are lurking.
Cast Like You Mean It: A good spey cast is like a good dance move—smooth and confident. Practice your snap-T or double spey to get the fly out there without tangling in the bushes (or your ego).
Mend, Mend, Mend: Mending your line is key to controlling the swing. Too much tension, and your fly looks like it’s waterskiing. Too little, and it’s just taking a nap.
Embrace the Grab: When a fish hits, it’s not subtle. Set the hook hard, and hang on. These fish don’t mess around, and neither should you.
Laugh at Yourself: Fly fishing is 10% skill, 90% stubbornness. You’re gonna lose flies, tangle lines, and maybe fall in. Roll with it. The fish don’t care if you look cool.

Wrapping It Up

The Autumn Moon Rising is more than a fly—it’s a vibe. It’s for those fall evenings when the air’s crisp, the water’s cold, and the fish are just begging for a fight. From the salmon-filled rivers of Alaska to the steelhead haunts of Steelhead Alley to the trout paradise of Montana’s Madison and Yellowstone, this fly is your ticket to a swinging good time. So tie one on, cast it out, and let the river do the talking. Just don’t be surprised if the fish have a few choice words of their own.