Small Flies Can Take Big Trout

Although it may seem counterintuitive, the fact is that big trout will regularly take very small flies. While we don’t know for sure what a small chironomid tastes like to a trout, for some reason they can be preferred by the fish over much larger fish and leeches.

Although I’ve caught many large rainbow trout on tiny flies, it still amazes me at times to consider that the fish sensed my fly and decided it looked like something good to eat. Or perhaps, the fish was curious about the fly. In the book entitled “A Man May Fish,” T. C. Kingsmill Moore writes,

“Modern man uses his mouth only for eating (apart from talking and kissing which have no interest for fish) and he assumes that when a fish takes something into its mouth the reason is that he wants to eat. This overlooks the cardinal anatomical fact that fish has no hands. Everything which a man does with his hands, or other animals with their paws, a fish must do with its mouth if it does it at all. The mouth is the only available organ for attack, defence, or exploration.”

Mr. Moore’s observations are quite valuable when we discuss why a fish will take a fly. Often, it is out of hunger, but there are times when it might be for protection. Some species of fish will vigorously defend their nests and attack almost everything that comes within close proximity. I have also seen fish follow lures and flies several times, without ever attempting to take the lure or fly into its mouth. Is the fish simply curious?

However, we also know that fish do eat tiny organisms relative to the fish’s size. As well as attacking and eating other fish which would provide a hefty meal of energy and calories, they will take small nymphs and chironomids.

One rule of thumb that some fly anglers have is to start with larger flies when fishing and then gradually move to smaller and smaller if the large ones are not producing fish. This is especially true when fly fishing techniques include below the surface of the water.

Often, fish seem to take smaller insects than larger prey like other minnows simply because there is so much of the smaller stuff around. When midges are hatching in large numbers on the water, an observant angler will often see large trout near the surface actively taking in the pupae chironomids before they can hatch. With such an abundance of food that is easy takings for the trout, there is no need to expend energy and swimming after larger prey.

When fly fishing, be sure to learn a variety of fly fishing techniques so you’ll know how to fish your fly patterns. Some should be fished differently to be effective – chironomids for example, should be fished very slowly.

If you enjoy fly fishing, you’ll probably enjoy learning about fly tying too! It’s a wonderful hobby and can fill in those days when you can’t get out on the water.