Strategies for Selective Trout
Two friends and I recently enjoyed fishing a quality sulpher and blue winged olive hatch on the West Branch of the Delaware River. There was a good flow (600 plus cfs) and stable water temperature (50 degrees). With this heat spell, the Upper West Branch has been one of the more trout friendly fishing venues in New York State. Even better, it is the most consistent option to enjoy surface mayfly fishing. You may find blue winged olives any month of the year and the sulpher hatch generally lasts from late May to September. That said, you are hard pressed to find more selective trout. With so many naturals, those WBD fish become conditioned to and capable of discriminating against flies.
We arrived on the river at 11 am and immediately spotted rising fish. Only yards from our car, I noticed a nice snout feeding. Claiming that fish, I eagerly crossed a side channel, crept through tall grasses and positioned myself above the trout. I stayed low, crept closer to the fish and stripped out sufficient fly line. I also noticed a few olives on the surface and observed the feeding pattern of this particular fish. Then, I tied on a #20 blue winged oliver emerger to 7x and checked my 16' leader. Again, I observed the feeding patterns of this fish. Timing my cast, I dropped the fly five feet above the fish and fed out line as it drifted towards the trout. On my first cast, the trout rose, I saw the white mouth engulf my fly and I gently lifted tight. After some side pressure and patience, a beautiful 18.5" brown was led head first into my net.
It's not always this easy. Yet, there are a number of aspects to improve your odds. Selective trout don't automatically jump on your fly and you need to maximize your chances. Here are hints that should help you land wily summertime trout:
- Try staying out of the water and slooowly move into position. If you have to enter the water, avoid sending a wake and spooking fish. I prefer an upstream location that allows me to present my fly first, then the leader. It's all about the presentation and your stealthy approach helps.
- Your first few casts are usually your best shot. Strip out your line in advance and avoid lining (casting over) the fish.
- Lengthen your leader. If you can cast a 16' or longer leader, there are advantages.
- Mend and continually control your line.
- If you manage half a dozen more drag free casts that were clearly in the fish's window and didn't earn a take, change flies. Again, observe the water, seine the surface and ascertain what the fish might be consuming. The rise form, combined with an observation of the surface film should help unlock some of the guessing game.
- Your next fly should be distinctly different over the past imitation. Ensure that you are giving the trout something new. Spinners and cripples always take their share of summertime trout. Or, sometimes movement is a key trigger.
- Sometimes the fish are so focused on naturals that you can't compete. Consider throwing a tiny attractor (wulff/stimulator/terrestrial) or something beefy to get their attention (streamer/chernobyl/isonychia/drake). The majority of fish won't vary, but now and then an opportunistic fish pounces on something different.
- Patience is a virtue, but know when to leave a fish to find another. If you have an aggressive fish downstream that is gulping down insects steadily, go for it. There is great reward in finally hooking that super selective fish. At the same time, there is merit in taking a break and restoring your confidence with a fresh fish.
- Consider fishing until you can't see any more. During this last trip to the WBD, I hooked three quality fish between 9:20 pm and 9:40 pm. Position yourself with the best possible light and cast minimal line. Lift up when you hear, see or feel anything promising. Your instincts will guide you. During the heat of the summer, the best surface fishing may occur the final twenty minutes. You should be able to get away with an over sized fly at this time. Surface feeders may also be observed in low light, early morning conditions.
- Had enough of super selective trout? No problem, we all need variety now and then. Head to your local farm pond for some bluegills on poppers or throw some foam/deerhair sliders at bass!
