Every fly fishing angler knows of famous rivers, lakes and streams where they can fly fish for big trout. These are areas where fly fishermen come in droves during trout season each year.
Often, these waters are hundreds of miles away from where you live and you can only access them when you have a long weekend or vacation.
However, there are many small creeks and stream where you can fly fish for trout locally. This makes it easy to go for a couple of hours after work or on the weekend.
These quiet, tranquil spots can be very rewarding for fly fishing anglers who want to catch a nice sized trout or two.
Ideal Conditions For Trout
At some creeks and streams, it may seem like there are no fish lurking beneath the water’s surface, when in fact, they may be small or there may be a lot of brush growing on the banks.
These key fishing spots can be found in the foothills, in a forest, or running through a farmer’s field. Just remember to use proper fly fishing etiquette if you wish to fly fish on private property.
Your best bet is to catch trout in creeks and streams where the water stays cold throughout the year. Spring-fed creeks and streams almost always have trout living in them during the warm summer months.
Other elements that draw trout to small creeks and streams include availability of food, habitat and the pH balance of the water.
Where To Fish For Trout
Trout can usually be found in pools and riffs near bank undercuts, fallen trees, overhanging tree branches, shrubbery and bush evergreens.
Trout tend to rest in undercut areas and deep pools throughout the day. They venture out from these favorite havens in early morning and at dusk when there is very little light.
Even narrow streams are attractive to wild trout, as long as they are deep. Some very large trout live in small creeks and streams. The largest trout I’ve ever seen taken out of a narrow stream was 17.5 inches. It was a beauty! However, much larger trout can be caught in creeks and streams around the world.
You will want to fish undercut banks from the opposite side of small streams.
How To Fish For Trout
Fly fishing small creeks and streams is much different than fly fishing lakes and rivers where there’s much more water to cover.
When fishing small creeks and streams, you will find that a lightweight, shorter rod will work best. Fly fishing rods between 6′ to 8′ and 3 wt to 5 wt are highly recommended.
Use wet flies and streamers when casting downstream.
Use dry flies, drifting nymphs, and terrestrials when casting upstream.
When you are fly fishing small creeks and streams that you aren’t familiar with, use traditional small flies such as wooly buggers, hare’s ears, and wet flies with soft hackles.
If a hatch is in progress, use a dry fly and roll cast it through a deep pool or riffe. You may be amazed at the trout that you find.
The best advice I can offer, is to never pass by any small creek or stream if it has deep, cool water. You may be amazed at the size of the trout living beneath the water!
More Trout Stream Fishing Tips
- Upstream Dead Drift: Imitating Free-Drifting Food Forms
- Best Trout Fishing Hot Spots
- How To Fish Where Trout Are Feeding
- Orvis 20 Most Popular Trout Flies Cheap!
- Trout Fly Fishing Books
- Rainbow Trout Fly Fishing Tips
I enjoy writing about my life experiences — including the fun times I've had while fishing and enjoying nature. In my fly fishing articles I like to share helpful how-tos to help newbies grasp the most basic concepts of fly fishing.
