Welcome to “Broder Tips” brought to you by Broder Fly Fishing! Over the next five months, we will immerse ourselves in the captivating world of fly fishing and provide you with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your fishing success. Whether you’re a seasoned angler with years of experience or a newcomer to the sport, we’ve got you covered.
Each month, we will present a new article focusing on a relevant topic for the current season. Be sure to explore our first article, “Trout By Seasons,” where we share insightful tips and tricks on identifying optimal fishing spots during spring, summer, fall, and winter! Check out the reel below!
As anglers, we often face the dilemma of choosing the right flies, determining the appropriate tippet and leader sizes, and often sticking to the patterns that have proven successful for us. In this article, we will delve into the essence of fly fishing and explore strategies for targeting trout in various seasons with inspiration from the reel above. Whether you’re casting blue-winged olive patterns into gentle currents or presenting grasshoppers in the riffles along the bank, the insightful tips and tricks from Broder Fly Fishing are here to guide you in locating the prime holding spots for fish throughout the year!
Spring
Let’s begin with the transition season of Spring. During early spring, water temperatures are still cold but gradually rising, and hatches become more frequent. Fish tend to be most active in the warmer parts of the day due to the cold water. Expect them to seek out warmer, slower sections of water where they can conserve energy. Look for deeper pools with abundant food sources. As spring progresses toward summer in May and June, fish become increasingly active and start transitioning to their summer habitats as bug hatches become more common.
Summer
Late Spring into Summer marks a change in trout behavior as the water temperature warms. Consequently, you’ll need to adjust your fishing timing accordingly. Trout are more active in the early morning and evening when it’s cooler. During these active hours, you’re likely to find them in highly oxygenated areas that are rich in food, such as riffle tailouts or along the edges of eddies. In the heat of the day when the sun is high, they may retreat to deeper waters or seek out shaded spots like undercut banks. Larger bugs and terrestrials become more prevalent, and fish become opportunistic in pursuit of substantial meals.
Fall
Fall can be the most challenging season to predict trout behavior due to variable weather and hatches. The water is typically low and clear, and fish have experienced an entire season of angling pressure. Exercise stealth when approaching the water during this time. As the water cools, the fish’s need for food decreases. However, it doesn’t mean that fishing opportunities diminish. In many places, fall offers an exceptional period of hatches, and streamer fishing becomes incredibly rewarding. Fish remain well-fed from the summer months and actively seek larger meals before the slower winter period. Keep in mind that brown trout may begin their spawning activities during this time, so avoid areas with spawning fish and adhere to local regulations.
Winter
Winter brings cold temperatures and even colder water, driving trout to seek warmer areas and conserve energy. While trout activity slows down during winter, they still need to feed regularly, presenting ample opportunities for anglers. Look for deeper and slower sections of water where fish are likely to reside during these colder months. On warm sunny days, activity may increase during the middle of the day, as long as there is no snowmelt that causes water temperatures to drop and hampers fishing. Streamers can still be effective in winter, but consider retrieving them more slowly, as fish are less inclined to chase aggressively.
Each season offers something unique, along with great opportunities to catch trout. Familiarize yourself with your local waters and study the behavior of fish there. Adapt your fishing locations based on the season, and you’ll increase your chances of landing more fish!
Stay tuned for applications of “Broder Tips,” a monthly article from Chris Solfelt at Broder Fly Fishing. Be sure to check out their website by clicking HERE.Â
