Seeing the stringer of large trout the young boy was carrying, the elderly angler inquired, “Son, how did you catch all of those?” The youngster looked up with a surprised expression and replied calmly…”I just try to think like a trout.” How good are we at that?
Our first goal when approaching a pool is to determine the natural food they may be feeding upon. This can be done by observing the insects floating on the surface of the stream and flying around. Next we need to determine the feeding station. If we cannot see him or his riseform, we need to determine that location in the pool where the trout can capture the greatest amount of food with the least amount of effort. Next cautiously move into a casting location to enable us to get a drag free drift with our fly. We want to match the natural food they are feeding upon.
This basic procedure will definitely help us improve our trout fishing.
The VA DWR will start the stocking program in October on the larger streams and delayed harvest areas. For more information on streams throughout Virginia, see my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams. For the latest stocking schedule see the VA DWR website.
Each week, we post a stream report with stream conditions and recommended flies so feel free to check it out or give us a call for more information. If you cannot make it to the fly shop, then order online and we will get your order out ASAP.