Trout Fishing
We love fishing for different species of trout ranging from stocked reservoir, stillwater rainbow trout, brownies and blues or for chalkstream browns then we venture worldwide for cutthroat or brookies. Different species and destinations demand different tackle and flies and you will find all you need from The Essential Fly. On a small brook you may be using a 3 weight trout rod with size 18 flies on a 1lb tapered leader, however on a large reservoirs you may be casting an 8 weight fly rod with ghost tip fly line or boat fishing using a competition drogue to stop your drift.
What is Trout Fishing?
We generally fly fish for two species or trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout in the UK although we also fly fish for Blue Trout and Tiger Trout which provide amazing sport.. Put simply fly fishing is the art of casting a little artificial trout fly using a weighted fly line, making it land gently on the water on or below the surface making it behave like a natural insect. It sounds easy however different flies are about at different times of the day and different flies on different months of the year. So indulging in the spot helps you become an amateur entomologist, helps you appreciate nature and puts you into some of the most amazing countryside.
We stock a massive range of barbless flies and microbarbed fly patterns suitable for every venue and occasion. If you need a micro dry fly size 24 for that small brook trout or a large lure or small buzzer flies strong enough to cope with stocked monsters from lakes and reservoirs you will find them online with The Essential Fly, all backed by our quality services and product guarantees. You will not find better quality and value for money in the market. Check the reviews from tens of thousands of fly fishermen, lakes and dealers in over 50 countries that we have supplied. If you need help call us or check our fly fishing for trout blog post
Trout Fishing for Brown Trout - Salmo trutta
The Brownies are native to rivers in Europe although widely introduced worldwide. Typically found in small streams although larger rivers are known to stock them. These fish have been introduced to Canada (1886) and USA (1883). Find out more about Brown trout here. Brownies today are in rivers and lakes where they can grow quite large.
Typically Brownies go for more natural flies and as they grow larger they move from eating smaller flies and nymphs to chase fry and small fish.
Sea Trout - Saltwater Brownies
Sea trout & Brown Trout are the same species (Salmo Trutta). Because of local factors (often lack of food) young brownies just 5 to 7 inches long (smolts silver in color) migrate in a shoal to sea. These return from April to October to spawn. Most Sea trout are female.
A Question often asked is of us is "which fly for fishing for trout should I use"? It seems a simple question but there are thousands of flies for fishing we can use.
First thing we must remember if trout are not stupid like humans. We eat strawberries at Christmas when they are not in season, they are specially grown or imported for us. Trout are more simple and natural, they either eat what is in season, i.e. Daddy long Legs are seen commonly in June to September so less likely to provoke bites in the cold February months. Alternatively as trout don't have fingers we can trigger a response with a fly that looks like 'food' with an attractor like a hares ear nymph or lure like snake fly. Retrieved across or under the water these can provoke or stimulate an attack creating a bite.
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, offering a chance to connect with nature, relax, and perhaps catch dinner. However, within the world of fishing, there are various techniques and styles that cater to different preferences and experiences. Two of the most popular methods are fly fishing and regular fishing (often referred to as spin fishing or bait fishing). While both aim to catch fish, they differ significantly in technique, equipment, and approach. In this blog post, we will explore these differences in detail.
The weather certainly doesn’t know what do at the moment! Last weeks mid 20’s temps have disappeared and it’s now back down to a chilly 12 degrees! The fishing however has still been ok! I headed out to my local river one evening after work recently, I was greeted with some good looking rising fish, after watching and making a few casts at them they weren’t to be! A quick move downstream to some faster water I grabbed my 10ft #3 nymphing rod and worked my nymphs through some of the deeper runs.
Picture this, You’ve arrived at the river to low water there are some fish rising but they are super spooky. These can be technical fish to fool with a stealthy approach. Spooking these fish can result in the pool being disturbed for some time. During this time a good tip is to seek out the faster, rifflly and more oxygenated water. Here, nymphing can be a deadly option!
19 October 2023 | Phillippa
A drop in temperatures often puts an edge on the trout’s appetite as they prepare for winter. Obviously, trout will target fry and baitfish at this time of year as they represent a protein rich return for fish. That said, trout are extremely opportunistic and quick to take advantage of certain food sources available to them at anytime.
