Sometimes fishing a small, overgrown and jungle-like river can be just as daunting as stood on the banks of a big river scratching your head wondering where to start. Being based in West Yorkshire in the UK, I’m surrounded with little tributaries that run into the bigger spate rivers. These are where I’ve been having most of my success when wild brown trout fishing this season so far. So when it comes to small river tips and tricks, I have lots of them.
This trout season I’ve mainly been focusing my fishing on small rivers as I believe it improves your fishing and awareness for many reasons. One of the main ones being that you have to constantly be aware of what’s around you. The last thing you’re going to want is to spend valuable fishing time untangling fly line and tippet from branches, or even worst the tip of your rod.
Casts
Lots of small rivers and streams are overgrown, so getting a normal over head cast in to present your fly is often hard work and near enough impossible. This is where things become a little bit more technical. You have to fish to your surroundings. Often, a bow and arrow cast is one of the only ways you’ll be able to present your fly with minimal disruption to the water.
Everything has to be kept low, if you’ve got yourself into a good position, you can in some scenarios get away with side casts. However, make sure to keep below the tree lines of over hanging branches. A tip to take here is that before you make a cast, have a look around you. Evaluate where you can safely play and land a fish should you catch one.
Stealth Mode – Activated!!
This is one of the main things you need to get right, especially in the warmer months when these small rivers and streams are low. Be prepared to get down and dirty! The trout that call these stunning rivers home will be super spooky. You’ll find that to get the best chance of fooling one of these wild fish is to battle your way through the vegetation on the banks to stealthily get yourself into position. This often includes a war with stinging nettles, keeping low and moving ever so slowly. I’ve come to the realization that if I can, I try keep out of the water fully to minimize the level of disruption on the water.
When fishing on bright days its absolutely vital that you keep a low profile. As I said above, these fish have their guard up so you want to keep low at all times to avoid any sudden shadows appearing on the water.
Flies
Keep them simple. It’s that easy!
My fly box typically consists of a hand full of patterns in a number of different sizes. These patterns are anything from the simplest of F-Flies & quill plume tips to elk hair sedges. They are the three I’ve had most success on this season.
Other patterns such as terrestrials like ants, as well as midge patterns work really well too. Tie them small to match the hatch and these wild fish will go crazy for them!
On these small rivers you’ll get faster runs of water meaning these fish have to take whatever food comes their way pretty quick. You’ll find they are generally smaller albeit, fin perfect. They are what I like to call the true definition of a wild brown trout compared to what you’d find in the bigger rivers. But don’t underestimate them, you’ll sometimes hit the jackpot and find a big old small stream trout!
Tackle
In terms of tackle, leave the 10ft rods at home. My go to weapon of choice is a smaller 8ft 3wt. As said above this gives me a little more room when I’m working out where I can strike and bring in the fish if I catch one. Don’t get me wrong there’s still the odd time my leader will get caught in the trees, but with the shorter lighter rod it makes things a that little easier.
My leader set up is pretty standard. I opt for the Fulling Mill 9ft Tapered Leader and add an extra 2ft of tippet on to the end of that. I then run my leader and tippet through the Fulling Mill Mud to aid my presentation and reduce the chance of spooking fish.
It’s important to travel light. With having to battle through bushes you’re not going to want to take a big rucksack with you, I prefer a small hip or chest pack big enough for the essentials. A box of flies, a spool or two of tippet, tapered leaders etc.
In a nutshell
The key components to improving your small stream fishing and upping your catch rate are as follows:
- Slowing everything right down. Take your time and the rewards can be priceless. Before attempting to get in the river I’ll often spend a little bit of time sitting, watching and taking in what’s going on in front of me. This can usually give you all the answers you need to unlock the code!
- Don’t overcomplicate your fly selection. As I mentioned above, the simple f-flies and sedges are usually all I use on these small streams.
- The number one key thing is to have fun! There really is nothing better than catching a 7 inch wild brown trout on the fly!
Tight lines and wet nets for your next adventure!
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