Understanding trout distribution
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:09 #
Hi all, I've been to a secluded stream that I've been fishing and while I've caught small browns there, today the place seemed very quiet in the spots I've caught. I covered about half a mile of water and didn't have any success, can anybody help me understand trout distribution? As in one day they are there and the next they seem to be gone? Do trout migrate up and down the stream or generally stay in an area? Thanks in advance
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by Brend155
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by Brend155
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:14 #
They do. This is also the time of year browns spawn, so they may be moving around to do the deed. Trout are also territorial, and it's also possible larger, breeding fish have evicted or disturbed the smaller ones.
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by -Obie-
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by -Obie-
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:19 #
Could be migrating for spawning or could be fished out. In WNC most of the stocked delayed harvest waters get fished out very quickly after they open.
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by Independent
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by Independent
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:26 #
Thanks for the replies, I'm just trying to understand how they work but I guess that will always be a mystery. The stream is pretty long so I think I'll start much further downstream next time. I've also only been throwing flies in eddies and deep pools
Cheers
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by Brend155
Cheers
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by Brend155
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:30 #
Browns are spawning. Move upstream. Stay off the redds and do not cast to spawning fish.
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by Hike_bike_fish_love
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by Hike_bike_fish_love
Nov 3, 2019 16:41:34 #
Hike bike is trying to say: it's not legal to fish browns now, they are out of season. Check out your state guidelines!
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by override11
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by override11
Nov 3, 2019 17:03:10 #
In California most of the streams close up in two weeks until the last Saturday in April when they re-open. There are a few that remain open year round, but most are so difficult to get to you won't get there anyway. The Rubicon is one I can think of. No, fall is not a good time to be fishing for browns.
Nov 3, 2019 17:12:59 #
Depends on the state. In MN. the season is closed from 10/15 - 1/1 to protect the redds and the trout. Iowa's season is all year long. N.E. Iowa stocks, S.E. Mn. does not stock. The S.E. MN. Park system is open all year long with selected parks being stocked. Would you believe that people do not trout fish because they do not understand the rules? You almost have to be a lawyer to understand the rules. Back to your question, Brown trout will go upstream to spawn, usually just above a rifle. I have never fished them during that time but if they are like salmon they will not eat while spawning but may hit on a reflex reaction.
Nov 3, 2019 17:38:43 #
I don't know this for sure, but I believe that browns do eat while spawning. I know that steelhead do, they like to eat the roe of the spawning salmon. And a steelhead is just a rainbow with access to the ocean. Now they're both trout, same species, and a salmon is not a trout. That's my logic. I could be wrong. It's happened once or twice.
Nov 3, 2019 19:37:25 #
Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Sprit, I google it. Evidently the pre-spawning brown will become very aggressive to other fish in the area. During the spawn while they are on the redd it said not to target them because they become very stressed during spawning. It also said that a good place to fish would be below the redd because fish will pod up there in order to eat the eggs that slip out of the redd. That is the drift I got out of it anyway.
Nov 3, 2019 19:45:33 #
That all makes a lot of sense. But it didn't say if they eat or not. I'm thinking if they do eat, it ain't much, so when they come off the redd they are mighty hungry, tired of all that stress, and looking to party. With my wooly bugger? OK
Nov 3, 2019 19:53:42 #
I love stripping the Wooly Bugger, especially in colored water.
Nov 3, 2019 20:39:37 #
I have even fished it with spinning tackle. I have a ton of confidence it it. And trout love it.
Nov 3, 2019 21:44:47 #
Crunchy
Loc: Clark Fork, North Idaho
While you are walking up and down the stream don't over look the riffles and shallow water. Try nymphing
as you walk along.
Crunchy
as you walk along.
Crunchy
Nov 3, 2019 21:55:39 #
For some reason I've never had much luck nymphing. Probably cause I got no idea what I'm doing. But I'm willing to learn. I'm going to try my hand a mono-rigging next spring. If you got no idea what I'm talking about go to troutbitten. com and there are several articles there. Let me know what you think.
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