Flies for brown trout

Brown trout are taken on largely the same flies as rainbow trout, but they usually demand a little more finesse. The brown trout is a watchful predator that likes to hold in current edges and at structure, and it rewards a natural presentation and muted colours. If you already have a put-and-take box for rainbow trout you have most of what you need — it is more about how you fish than about entirely different patterns.

Nymphs for cautious brown trout

Brown trout picking at small stuff take a natural nymph readily. A Hare's Ear and a Pheasant Tail in size 12 to 16 are the first choice, especially in clear water. In running water the nymph is often fished on a dead drift, so it follows the current naturally past the lie. A gold head helps the fly down to the right depth in the current.

Streamers when the brown trout hunt

If the brown trout are in hunting mood they take a streamer readily. A black Woolly Bugger works excellently, fished with short strips and pauses. In running water the streamer is often fished downstream and across, so it swims like a fleeing baitfish against or across the current. That often provokes determined takes from larger brown trout.

Brown trout in a lake

In a put-and-take lake brown trout often move along edges, at inlets and around structure, much like rainbow trout but preferably a little deeper and more out of sight. Here a slowly fished nymph under an indicator works well, as does a streamer fished with calm, even pulls. Early morning and late evening are often best, because brown trout are extra light-sensitive and pull away in strong sunlight. A pair of polarised glasses helps you spot fish moving along the edges.

Colour and presentation

Brown trout are as a rule more cautious than rainbow trout, so keep the colours natural: black, olive and brown. Save attractor colours for coloured water or freshly stocked fish. Presentation is at least as important. Move calmly, avoid casting shadows over the water and lay the fly softly, because a shy brown trout disappears at the slightest splash.

Where brown trout hold

Much of brown-trout fishing is about putting the fly where the fish actually hold: in current edges, behind stones, at inlets and along drop-offs. More on that under running water and on the species under brown trout. If you want to compare with the rainbow trout set-up, see flies for rainbow trout.