Techniques.

Putting your fly in front of a fish is one of the most fundamental skills in trout fishing. This may not always be as easy as it first appears with currents moving at different speeds and pools or runs of varying depth. The successful angler will need to master a range of techniques to ensure that trout consistantly see the fly.

Trout will move around to take advantage of a range of food items. They gravitate towards high protein foods that offer the greatest return for energy spent. At specific times of the year this will take the form of fish, often smelt or bullies. On other occasions a procession of meaty nymphs delivered on the current will be the food of choice. For many anglers, myself included the most exciting action comes when insect activity on the surface, reaches a point where the trout will come up to feed within clear view of the angler.

Each situation requires a different approach. A number of successful techniques are identified here.

River fishing

Traditional dry fly.
Dry fly and nymph.
Deep, heavy nymph - Tongariro
Blind nymph fishing.
Sight nymph fishing.
Down stream wet fly.

Lake fishing

Shallow water smelt.
Dragonfly nymph.
Buzzer.
Emerger.