October is a peak time for fly-fishing, and this year is turning out to be an unusually good one in some places.

Colorado and Montana, two of the most popular fly-fishing states, both had wet springs this year after some areas there had suffered long droughts. That allowed the fish to repopulate at healthier level than in years past. At the same time, a drier summer has kept some rivers from rising too high or flowing too fast, which can make the fish harder to catch because they have more room in which to swim.

On Top of that, because of the increases in the fish population, fewer spots in both states have restrictions on fishing this year compared with previous years, according to the fish-and-game authorities.

In Montana, guides are reporting that fish are “podding up,” or grouping together, in some rivers this year, including the Madison and the Bighorn. That may mean more-bountiful catches, says Greg Thomas, author of “Fly Fishers’ Bible: Montana.” With fishing conditions improving over last year, sales of licenses have risen slightly.

Meanwhile, guides in Colorado say the fishing may be particularly god on rivers such as the Cache la Poudre.

This month is big for fly-fishing fanatics because it’s when the fish make their last dash to feed on the surface before returning to the riverbed for the winter. The landscape is also a draw for some anglers: The leaves are changing colors, and the light is subtler and more diffuse.

To help boost traffic, some hotels are offering specials. Vail Cascade Resort and Spa in Vail, Colo., which says it has a “gold medal” fly-fishing creek behind its hotel, has weekend rates starting at $129. A non-holiday peak rate during ski season starts at $429.

Next week, rates at Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Big Sky, Mont., go down to as low as $185. This week, they start at $260. During peak ski season, they’re $270 to $295. The resort has a fly-fishing outfitter on the property.

Ask about discounts; some outfitters and hotels offer off-season rates for October.

You can expect to pay about $350 to $400 for a full-day trip for two people (that includes transportation, guide, some fishing gear and lunch); half-day trips are about $50 less.

For up-to-the-minute information on river and stream conditions across the country, check www.fisheyesoup.com.