3 expert tips for tackling trout in tiny streams

APPROACH

While roadside spots provide easy access, they’re also the same stretches of the stream where the bigger fish are often kept, and the smaller ones are released only to become lure shy. Instead, hike up- or downstream, away from the water’s edge, and look for overgrown willows, deadfalls or overhangs. Once you’ve found a likely spot, stealthily approach it from downstream (the fish will likely be facing into the current looking for food), use shoreline vegetation to break up your silhouette and try to avoid casting your shadow over the water.

Brook trout want to feel safe, which means they’ll hide in areas with deep pools, structure and overhead cover. In small streams, they don’t necessarily have deep water to swim down into to avoid threats, so they seek cover to feel secure from predators. During the cooler months, brookies can be found anywhere in a stream, but once it starts to get warmer, they’ll head for the cooler, deepest pools they can find.