Want to Catch More Trout on the Fly? Then GO DEEP!

Trout are among some of nature's most astute investors. The habitat in which fish reside, the invertebrates they pursue, and ultimately the artificial flies they take are all weighed in a purposefully applied cost-benefit analysis. In the case of the trout, this equation takes into account the amount of protein and calories provided by a forage species and the energy needed to pursue and capture said insect or animal.

If you were to take a cross-section of a stream, the greatest water velocities are going to be on the surface and reduce as you move down through the water column. Regardless of the season, trout in moving water spend the majority of their time close to the substrate, behind the cover of boulders and logs, and resting in zones of low velocity as they wait for food to drift by. While a nice juicy grasshopper or lazy summer stonefly can induce a trout to rise, invertebrates on ths surface either need to be of a sufficient size or quantity to make this trip worthwhile. The streambed is also home to a wealth of invertebrates, who - applying the same cost-benefit analysis on a smaller scale - are close at hand for trout to feed upon.

So, as you tie on your nymphs and look to plumb the depths for trophy trout this year, remember to go deep! Add split shop to scrape the bottom of the river, and while you might lose a few flies, you will also catch more and bigger fish.