Brown Trout Fishing: the nature of the beast

August 1st, 2008 by admin

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In the history of fly fishing, the brown trout was the species that began it all. The lure of Rainbows, Cutthroats and Brookies came later.

Brown trout fishing is both challenging and frustrating. This fish is the most difficult of all trout to catch. Practicing catch and release on them can be unsuccessful because they will exhaust themselves in their efforts to throw the hook.

The tactics used for catching other trout often fail when trying for the Brown. If you are lucky enough to hook into one of these beauties, your challenge is just beginning.

Browns are not the acrobats of the fishing world. A hooked Brown will head for the nearest obstacle trying to break
your line. It will take off downstream in a run than sends the line screaming from your reel. In a final effort it might
take to the skies, but it is pretty much an underwater fighter.

Identifying the species when Brown trout fishing

It is common for the novice Brown trout angler to have a problem identifying the Brown. Color variations and behaviors vary from fish to fish and habitat to habitat. Variations are common even within the same waters.

It is also possible for the Brown to change his color as he moves from one area to another. This is a very effective camouflage technique that protects the Brown not only from natural predators, but from Human anglers also. The Brown colors can be anything from a creamy brown to olive green; dark on the back and fading towards the belly. Black and red spots cover its back. Occasionally you may see a few spots on the tail. A lake Brown is often more silver in color and its spots can be hard to see.

If you see a fish resting on the bottom of the stream, you are looking at a Brown. They are the only trout that do this. Don't assume that no Browns are present if you can't see them in the clearest of waters. A major part of their success is
in their ability to camouflage themselves.

When you compare a Brown trout to a Brook you'll see that the Brown doesn't have the wavy lines found on the Brook and it has more teeth.

Tactics for Brown trout fishing

Knowing how Browns behave is a major tactic in successful Brown trout fishing. As a Brown gets bigger its feedingpattern changes. A small Brown, 12 inches and under, feeds on items that come floating down on the currents. These drift feeders find a holding spot close to the feeding zone and wait quietly until an insect or other food item floats by.

As the Brown matures he feeds on larger items including other trout. These fish often become creatures of habit, staying in the same area day after day, or as long as the food supplies continue. An observant angler can watch for signs of fish rising in the same spot. When returning to the river on another occasion it pays to cast to those same areas, the fish is likely to be still holding there.

A fish that is disturbed by predators or other distractions may well return to the same feeding area after a half houror so. Although the common belief is that Browns are nocturnal feeders, they will feed during the day. Nocturnal feeding
seems to happen if the river is busy during the day. When this is the case the Brown will wait until the activity dies
down and then come out to feed.

Brown trout like cool waters, but will survive in warmer temperatures than other trout. They will compete in areas
where Brook trout are found. The Brown and the Brook will sometimes crossbreed to produce a Tiger trout.

Although Browns of 40 pounds have been hooked, anything above four pounds is considered a good fish. Browns typically live for about seven years. They are less susceptible to Whirling disease than Rainbows.

Lay a Rainbow and a Brown side by side and the Rainbow will win the beauty prize every time. Hook into a good sized Brown and you'll think that Rainbow fishing is for the kids. An angler who is successful at Brown trout fishing is the PhD of the fly fishing world.