When I started fly fishing over thirty years ago, one of the attractions to the sport to me was the art of fly tying. Having the ability to create something from fur and feather that will catch Trout was a miracle to me. A good friend at the time who also taught me to cast, showed me the basics of the “black art” of building flies.
With the winter months being upon us now and the brown trout season finished its time for the small waters and the Rainbow trout to keep the keenest cold weather anglers occupied. Given that rainbow trout definitely thrive in fresh cold waters, the winter season can be as fruitful a time as any to go fishing.
When we think about Winter trout tactics, we invariably think of fishing with sinking lines and lures. Although this is without doubt the most consistent and effective method for the time of year, it is by no means the only way!
A strong, reliable knot, the Constriction Knot is a simple yet effective way of tying backling line to leader.
The ‘Little Devil’ is one of many effective all year round nymphs. Its translation to Welsh is the Daiwl Bach, familiar to all but a few fly fishermen and a fly that should be in everyone’s fly box. I have loads of them, various colours and sizes, and often throw out an attractive looking pattern of daiwl bach nymphs. My favourite is a red daiwl back, suitable I think for a little devil fly and it has a very aesthetically pleasing look about it in the water.
As the trout season draws to a close, the chances of hooking a strong, mature fighter lures anglers back to the water for one last stab at success. With the dark days looming over, the weather turning and the water cooling, fish at the peak of physical condition lie in wait for a wholesome feed. So, how do you go about cathing these monsters?
When using the proper techniques and methods, there is often nothing more exciting than fly fishing. On some days it may even seem that everything is working. Just about every fly placed in just about every spot will get you bites and have you filling up your icebox. Then there are the other days. Those days when you think you are sending out the perfect cast with the perfect bait, and it just isn’t working. What could possibly be going wrong?
Trout may not hibernate like bears, but it sure can seem that way if you have ever gone fishing in cold waters. Trout are cold blooded and slow down everything that they do in the winter months. They will once again become a lot more active as the water begins to warm in the spring, as do the insects that they regularly eat. While spring, summer and fall are quite different in their own right, each season has insects and fish that are active and making things happen.
Winter is entirely different.
Finding a good fishing spot with peace and tranquility can be a bit of challenge during seasonal peaks. And changes in your fishing environment may require changes in your techniques. Here, resident writer Drew Clement provides five indispensibe tips to aid your angling experience.
Tackling Scottish Lochs can be very challenging to any angler, so Lesley kindly takes us through her top tips when approaching new waters. From understanding local food sources to choosing your location, this article outlines some of the most important tactics to use.