This course explains some of the basic elements for fishing for trout after the sun goes down. You will learn how to observe the water, what to do when you see a rise or when you do not see a rise. Safety in night time is of great importance and it is stressed in this class.
September is a great time to try night time fly fishing. Here’s some tips to help you get started. Only fish areas that you know well. You should definitely know the water and scout it out in advance. At night most likely you won’t be able to tell that you’re casting through a deep pool or soft riffles. Also pay attention to the trees and bushes along the stream. Casting in the dark is really tough and it helps if you know there’s a limb overhead.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp, with the latter usually working best if you have only one source of light. Only use it when needed. Don’t keep your headlamp on when you’re looking at the water. This spooks trout. When you need to use the flashlight, turn away from the stream and point it away from the water.
Before you make your first cast, spend a few minutes setting and observing the water. Big trout often roam the banks at night looking for prey. Casting right through your deep honey hole in the night might not work, because the fish are out hunting under the cover of darkness. Try stripping streamers up and down the banks. It can work wonders, even in shallow runs void of trout during the day time.
I do not recommend night time wading to 90 percent of fly fishing. For one reason, at night trout shallow. Wading will spoil your efforts. Also consider safety reasons. If you fall in at night, there’s less of a chance that someone will see you or come to your aid. Only when you know that section of river like the back of your had should you consider wading, and never do it alone.
Unless there are a ton of rises, the fish won’t see your size 22 midge emerger, or your tiny Tellico Nymph. Think big if you want to get the attention of big trout. Since there’s no bright sunlight to light to reflect, white and bright colors usually do not work at night. Black color patterns usually work best because they contrast against the night sky. Try black woolly buggers and muddler minnows. Generally speaking, trout are more willing to chase streamers at night more than any other time. Tandem rigged streams are deadly if you can stand to cast them.
If you’re seeing rises, it still does not mean that they’ll take your size 18 BWO. When fishing dry flies at night, bigger is always better. Try some bigger such as stimulator, grasshopper, or Royal Coachman. Definitely give the fly a twitch every 5-10 seconds.
Start by being prepared. check your equipment flash lights, etc. to be ready for your trip.
This class presented by Don Kirk who has written numerous books about trout fiahing and who also has an on line magazine Southern Trout. Extra credit will be given if yhou subscribe to Southern Trout.
DVDs that will be of interest:
Fly Fishing for Small Stream Brown Trout
Fly Fishing Strategies That Catch Trout