I am wondering about the differences between brown or generic trout flies for rivers/stream and lakes.
There are lots of ponds (aka lakes) here that have trout in them, but it seems that most fish for trout in streams. So I am wondering what are teh specific differences I am looking at for choosing proper flies for trout that are on ponds/lakes.
First off, I am thinking that there may be no difference, and then second I think that maybe streamers may be of more use then nymphs.
Could someone place clairify this for me please, i would greatly appreciate it! Also ifyou know any great patterns that would be killer.
I only fish a couple small lakes from time to time and I use the same flies for trout that I would use on a stream. The only time I use a streamer fly is when I am trying to catch the bigger Brown’s that like to hang in the deeper water. The majority of the fish I catch in the small lakes are small Brookies or planted Rainbow and I seem to have my best luck with small dries. In the summer months anything that looks like a mosquito works for me.
My experience with trout is mostly in small lakes and impoundments for what it’s worth.
I guess the obvious answer is that if they’re feeding on top, I try to match the hatch.
Otherwise…I’ve done very well with attractor patterns…the McGinty and Grizzly King come to mind, as does a generic nymph like a beaded Hares Ear.
Personally, I think having a selection of lines from floating…to fast sink is more important than patterns.
If you want to twitch a fly back to you try a Damselfly ar a Dragonfly nymph before you try a streamer, if you want to relax a bit try a small nymph (G.R.H.E. P.T. or Buzzer) cast out across the wind and let the wind and wave action push them around, this sounds too simple but it is a deadly way of fishing in stillwaters. Just watch the end of your fly line and when it dips under or takes off strike.
There is a wealth of info about stillwater in the stillwater section on this site, it is well worth reading.
Oh yes, have a look at the paddling section as well, a heap of info and much of it aplies to stillwaters.
All the best.
Mike.
Try reading Donald Hustin’s book “Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout: A Journey into Newfoundland Waters” It’s a good read and he talks about alot of the flies that have traditionally worked for trout in your area.
Found and scanned some old 1999 photos taken on Sheep’s Creek Dam one morn
in June.
If I recall the browns were taken on a weed line at about 12’…the smaller has
some mouth greenery. The rainbow was taken in open water.
All caught on a #8 McGinty.
Do to physical impairments I fish primarly still water. I can not wade in anything much above my knees. I use streamers exclusively. My favorites are Staynor ducktail, halloween leech, mohair leech, and a bugger or two. I have not fished chromoriods due to the fact I catch plenty on the afore mentioned flies. A lot of times on rivers that I do fish I use the staynor ducktail or halloween leech and do very well. This brings me to a what I feel is a very good point: you will catch most of your fish no matter where you are fishing with what you feel comfortable using.
