The Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing for Trout

Trout can typically be found in cool, clear freshwater. Most trout will spend their entire lives in freshwater; however, there are some species of trout— such as steelhead and bull trout— that will spend up to three years at sea before returning to freshwater to spawn. Freshwater trout fishing trips typically target rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and brown trout, depending on the location.

Rainbow trout

Known for their acrobatics when hooked, rainbow trout are typically silver in color, with a pink lateral stripe that extends from gills to tail. Rainbows are native to North America's Pacific tributaries but now thrive in cold water across the continent. 

Cutthroat trout

Cutthroat trout are olive green or silver in color. They get their name from the distinctive red, pink, or orange slashes that can be found beneath their lower jaw. Native to the western parts of North America, cutthroats can be found in high mountain streams and lakes from the Rockies in Colorado west to California’s Sierra Nevada. 

Brook trout

The smallest trout, brook trout are dark green or brown in color. They are easily recognizable by the worm-like markings that cover their back, as well as the red dots surrounded by blue halos that scatter their sides. Brook trout are the only trout native to the eastern United States and are known for their willingness to eat dry flies. 

Brown trout

Brown trout are yellow, olive green, or brown in color, and are covered by dark spots.  Introduced to North America in the late 19th century from Europe, brown trout are known for their strong runs and keen eye for artificial flies, making them a favorite among experienced anglers.

Understanding trout behavior is one of the many joys of trout fishing. Several factors affect trout behavior, such as the species, location, weather, time of year, and time of day. Guides spend a lifetime learning the behaviors of the trout that inhabit their local waters and can offer invaluable insight on your next trout fishing excursion.

Trout habitat

Trout prefer habitats with well-oxygenated water and plenty of structure, such as rocks, logs, and undercut banks that provide necessary protection from predators. The ideal temperature range for most trout species is between 50-60°F, as they thrive in cooler waters. A healthy trout population is an indicator of river or stream health– they require clean, pollution-free environments to survive and reproduce.

Trout feeding habits

Trout are opportunistic eaters. The majority of a trout’s diet is aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Terrestrial insects that fall into the water are fair game for trout, as are smaller fish. 

Trout typically feed more actively in low-light conditions. Cloudy days, early mornings, and late evenings are all prime times to fish for trout; these times find them less wary than they may be on bright, sunny days.

For many anglers, trout fishing is synonymous with fly fishing. Artificial flies, made to imitate the insects that trout target, can be broken down into three categories: dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.

Dry flies

Dry flies are made to float on the surface of the water, imitating insects that have hatched and are resting or laying eggs. These flies are typically tied with light materials, allowing them to float more easily.

If you notice fish rising to the water’s surface to eat, or you see bugs coming up off of the water, it’s a good time to tie on a dry fly. When trout are rising, they are often feeding on a particular type of insect. Check out our guide to matching the hatch, an essential skill for dry fly fishing.

Nymphs

Nymphs are designed to imitate insects in their larval stage, beneath the surface of the water. In order to gain depth in the water column, these flies are often made with tungsten or brass beads that help them sink.

If there is no visible feeding activity on the water’s surface, it’s a good bet that trout are more focused on eating insects underwater. It often takes some time to determine the depth at which trout are feeding underwater— experiment with weighted flies and split-shot to get your fly deep enough in the water column for trout to eat.

Streamers

Streamers imitate larger aquatic prey, such as small fish or large aquatic insects. Designed to be fished beneath the surface of the water, streamers are typically made of more substantial materials than dry flies or nymphs.

Streamers are a great bet when you are fishing during high water flows. When rivers are flowing high and fast, trout may have a tough time picking out smaller dry flies and nymphs. Streamers, due to their larger size, stand out in high flows and are more likely to entice a strike.

Regardless of the flies you choose to use, trout are notoriously finicky fish. The way in which you present your fly to a trout is as important as the fly choice itself— when fishing dry flies and nymphs, you’ll often be dead-drifting your fly, allowing the water to move it in a natural way. When streamer fishing, you’ll retrieve your fly in short strips, mimicking the movement of a wounded fish.

Because trout prefer cold, clear water, they are most often found in rivers, streams, and high alpine lakes. Within each of these environments, there are certain water features which trout gravitate towards.

Riffles

Riffles are sections of a stream or river where water flows fast and shallow over a rocky bottom. Trout are often found along the edges of riffles, as well as in the tailout, where the riffle ends. Trout will hold in slower water right next to a riffle, picking off insects as they drift by. 

Pools

Pools are sections of a stream or river where the water is deep and slow-moving. Trout will often hold in these deeper sections, conserving energy in the slow-moving water and waiting for insects to drift into their line of vision. 

Runs

Runs are the sections of a stream or river where water moves in a consistent, uniform flow. Many anglers view runs as simply transition areas between pools and riffles, but there are trout to be found in runs, as well. Look for rocks or other structure— trout will hold in the slower pockets of water that these features create and wait for insects to drift by.

One of the most important skills in trout fishing is learning how to read water. With each trip to a river or stream, you’ll become more adept at recognizing the various water features that create pockets of water which trout call home.

Lakes

The sections above have to do with streams and rivers— if you’re fishing for trout in a lake, keep in mind that fish have much more room to spread out than they would in a stream or river. Start out using a streamer, in order to cover as much water as possible.

While trout can be found across the United States, there are a few locations that are known for particularly productive trout fishing. These hotspots are great starting points for your fly fishing adventure, and each offers access to great AnyCreek guides.

Jackson, WY

Jackson may be best known for its skiing, but it offers incredible trout fishing opportunities. For the chance to catch native cutthroat trout on dry flies in Grand Teton National Park or target trophy browns and rainbows on the Green River, check out River Range Adventures.

Aspen, CO

Another ski town with excellent trout fishing, Aspen offers access to several productive trout rivers. Explore the scenic Roaring Fork Valley with Wild Willow Outfitters, or make the short drive over to Carbondale to float the Colorado River with Southern Roots Outfitters.

Asheville, NC

If you’re looking for trout fishing in the Southeast, Asheville is the place to be. Fish beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain streams with Western Carolina Outfitters or float East Tennessee’s famed Watauga River with Connecting The Dots Fishing Guides.

Roscoe, NY

For Northeast trout fishing, be sure to plan a trip to Roscoe, otherwise known as Trout Town, USA. Covert Creek Outfitting offers guided trips on rivers and streams throughout the Catskill Mountains, a region known for its incredible dry fly fishing.

In many regions, trout can be targeted year-round. That said, there are seasonal differences that will affect the ways in which trout will behave— understanding these differences gives anglers the chance at productive fishing, no matter the time of year. Your guide will have the best information on seasonal patterns that affect trout fishing in your location.

Spring

As the weather warms and water temperatures rise, insect activity increases. Insect hatches will begin, bringing trout to the surface, eager to eat after months of holding in deeper water during the winter.

Summer

Insect activity continues throughout the summer months, making for great trout fishing opportunities. Make sure to keep an eye on water temperature— when water gets above 67 degrees, it’s important to let trout rest and not exert themselves. 

Fall

As temperatures begin to drop again, trout feed actively to store up energy for the winter months. Angling pressure also tends to drop once the summer ends, making for less wary, more aggressive trout. Fall brings particularly great dry fly fishing. 

Winter

If you’re willing to brave the cold and exercise a little patience, there are trout to be caught during the winter months. Try to fish during the warmest parts of the day, and don’t be afraid to fish deep— trout tend to move to deeper pools during the winter, where the water is warmer. In these colder months, trout mostly feed if given an easy opportunity. Make sure to focus on your presentation to make it worth their while.

Depending on where you plan to do your fishing, there are different trout fishing setups that will give you the best chance at a successful trip.

Small Streams

On small water, stick to 3 to 5 weight rod and reel combinations. These lighter, shorter rods will allow you to cast small flies accurately and navigate the many trees and bushes that are incredibly good at stealing flies. 

Rivers & lakes

On larger rivers and lakes, a 5 or 6 weight rod and reel combination will work well. These rods have enough power behind them to cast large streamers but are light enough to cast smaller flies, as well.

Regardless of the size of the water, the best trout fishing line is a weight-forward floating line. Leaders that narrow to tippet between 4x and 6x are a good bet. Your guide will have all the trout fishing equipment you need— that said, be sure to connect with your guide before your trip to find out if there is any other gear or clothing you should bring.

Depending on the region where you’re fishing, trout fishing may be restricted to certain times of year, in order to protect spawning fish. Be sure to check with your guide to plan your trip accordingly.

In most regions, anglers above the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. These licenses can be purchased quickly and easily online by visiting your state’s department of natural resources website. 

Trout fishing is an exciting experience for anglers of all ages and abilities. If you are new to trout fishing and want to learn from a professional, start your journey with AnyCreek. AnyCreek guides build a lifetime of knowledge of their local fisheries— this knowledge can go a long way towards making your next trout fishing trip a memorable one.

Want to try trout fishing with a larger group? No problem! Check out this article to book a trip for your large group.