Fly Fishing for Trout

Fly fishing is most often done for the various species of trout that exist in the waters and streams of the Western United States.  For example, a fly fishing trip to Colorado will find you catching mostly rainbow trout, but if you are fishing the Great Lakes region, you will be looking at more bass fishing than trout.

The best places for trout fishing, besides in Colorado, include North Carolina, Ontario, Northern California, and Washington.  Trout prefer smooth, clear running streams and rivers that can be found in the mountains, so you’ll get some great scenery while you are fishing.

Rainbow trout can be wild and explosive fish to hook.  Expect it to take some work when you land your rainbow when trying to reel it in.  These fish have very colorful markings, and are a favorite food fish for many people.  

Rainbows thrive in cool, clear streams and rivers.  They prefer a water temperature ranging from 55 to 60 degrees.  The best time to catch rainbows is in the spring and fall before spawning.  They respond well to a variety of flies including spinners, streamers, and nymphs.

Brown trout don’t fight as hard as rainbows, but they are much more cunning than their cousins.  They can be a challenge to hook in the first place, so use some patience if catching brown trout is your goal.  They are timid fish who are very aware of their surroundings as well as any predators including you!  

The ideal home for brown trout is a slow flowing stream containing lots of minnows.  They like warmer water in the 60 – 70 degree range.  For the larger fish, you will want to fish during darker light.  They can be caught with dry flies, streamers, and stonefly nymphs

The brook trout has brilliant coloring and are smaller than their other trout relatives.  They can be quite wild when hooked, so expect a bit of a fight with brook trout.  They are not as plentiful as rainbows or browns, but they can be found.  They prefer colder water from 40 to 50 degrees.

If you are lucky enough to hook a brook trout, you will be rewarded.  The fish travel in schools, and once action begins, it can be overwhelming.  In the summer, use a spinner and cast into shallow bottoms.  You can also use bucktail on a sinking line to try and land one of these beauties.

Fly fishing for trout is an exciting experience for any fly fisherman.  When you have a rainbow hooked and have to fight for your own leverage, the challenge can be enormous, but when you pull that baby out of the water, you will be satisfied with your performance.  Seek them out and enjoy the experience of fly fishing for trout.
