Some of the most gorgeous weather of the year is upon us. The leaves are turning copper, brown and brick, the sunlight is exceptionally bright and the window of opportunity for stream smallmouth bass angling narrows with each passing day.

Now is the time to get on it. Smallmouth bass in streams get aggressive in September and October as days shorten and water temperatures drop. They heartily strike jigs, soft plastics and flies during this time, but only if fished in the right places.