flies for Brook TroutFly Fishing for Brook Trout in Spring

Fly fishing is the best and most common method of catching Brook Trout, especially when fishing for them in rivers and streams. If fly fishing is your preferred form of angling then the Brook Trout should be one of your favorite fish.

Brook Trout are found in shallow water in the spring, not moving deep until summer or when temperatures go above 68°F/20°C.

Brook Trout Flies

There are so many flies that work on Brook Trout. If there’s a lot of trees and shrubs lining the river, insect flies work the best due to the abundant number of insects falling into the water.

*During spring, the Brook Trout are primed for insects so you should try these flies first.

We recommend mayflies, dragon flies and black flies. If these flies fail to catch their attention, try using wet flies like the black grizzly divisible and rio grand king.


Casting rigs for Brook Trout

Where the current is flowing fast, the Saugeen River Trout Float rig is a must. It lines up really well in the current, allowing the bait or lure to drop to the perfect depth. Be sure to use the lightest weights spaced 6 to 9 inches apart. (See Brook Trout Summer Fishing for River Trout float rig)

Another good technique is to cast into the current and let the current carry the bait. This will help to make the bait appear natural, wobbling and moving with the current as a normal fish or insect would behave.

In places where there’s large rodent populations like northern Ontario and Quebec, use large flies that resemble mice and lemmings. These are only effective in the north. They have little effect further south.

It’s worth mentioning that Brook Trout are not overly picky in the waterways where they can be found.

Now I’m not contradicting myself from other posts here on bassfishing-gurus. You have to remember they don’t like water temperatures above 68°F/20°C.

Other than the water temperature and clarity, they can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers both large and small as well as in the Great Lakes.

*Spawning is the only time that they are very specific about what they need.

As such, those that are locked in ponds and lakes without streams and rivers will not mate. Populations in those places must be kept up by regular stocking programs.

Spawning occurs in the fall. So spring is the most exciting time to go after Brook Trout as they feed on the large quantities of spawning baitfish.