All too often famous trout rivers and streams are just out of reach for most of us; either too far away, or too exclusive.  Their beauty, grace and over publicized fishing opportunities cause flocks of fishermen from all corners of the globe to visit.  A weekend trip every now and again can be a reality, but fishing these places on a regular basis just doesn't seem achievable.  But why worry?  Capitalizing on trout in smaller, more common streams and creeks can be far more rewarding than standing in a lineup, waiting for your turn to drift a popular pool or riffle.
 

Small, inconspicuous streams running through farms lands, forests and foothills often hold trout despite looking too small, brushy or just plain un-fishable.  As long as a stream or creek stays cold enough during the Summer months to sustain trout, chances are that you'll find them there.  Other factors such as PH levels, food availability and fish habitat will also play a role in the fertility of the creek. While scouting for possible trout streams, keep an eye out for overhanging trees, log jams, deeper pools and undercut banks; all traits of a healthy trout stream.  The old saying "narrow waters run deep" holds true for trout.  The narrower and deeper the creek or stream, the better the chance that it will hold trout.  I've personally witnessed creeks, no wider than 4

feet across with wild brook trout populations less than an hour away from a metropolitan city.  Sometimes the best way to find these hidden gems is to layout a quality topographic map and seek out little waterways which look promising. A keen fly fisherman can also get a good line on small trout streams by talking to local tackle shop experts. Although sometimes reluctant to give up information, once they realize you are a responsible angler they often don't mind sharing a secret or two.

Approaching smaller trout streams is much different than larger rivers, where room is less of a factor.  These small, confined spaces call for technical fly fishing abilities far superior to those used on open water.  Majestic 50 foot casts just don't happen. Instead, roll or steeple casting tends to the norm.  Brushy spruce trees, dog woods, thorn bushes and fallen pines add to the clutter under which trout hide.  To fish such environments with any success you first have to plan the approach with stealth in mind.  If undercut banks are present always approach them from the opposite bank. It is ridiculously hard to fool a weary trout hiding under a bank which you just walked over.  Depending on the type of fly you are using your approach may also change. For example, fishing streamers and wets in moving water is best done from an upstream position, while drifting nymphs, dries, or terrestrials is much easier and more effective from a downstream stance.  Many guides and books state that fly fishing in rivers, streams, or creeks is best done casting upstream, however these instructions are often geared for larger, more open spaces.  Trout seem more structure oriented in a small creek than in a larger river. Instead of finding fish in wide open transitional riffles and runs, they tend to concentrate around big deep pools, or undercut structure, only coming out of their holding spots in low light conditions. In other words, if you know what type of water to look for, trout are easier to find in small creeks than in other types of larger waters, giving the small stream fisherman a bonus.  Acquiring the skill to find trout in smaller water is valuable, as it can be transferable to rivers, giving you an edge.
 

Fly selection can be key to a successful trip on a small stream.  The type, size and color of fly can mean a good days fishing or a disappointing outing which will leave you doubting if trout even inhabit the area.  When fishing unfamiliar waters, it's best to stick to smaller, traditional flies until you get a feel for where the fish are and what they like. Popular nymphs, such as a bead headed hare's ear, or a small woolly bugger are excellent for this application.  Soft hackle wet flies, such as a partridge and orange, swung through a run can be dynamite.  Or, if your outing occurs during a hatch of any sort, tying on a dry fly and roll casting it through a riffle may reveal trout in transitional water.  Expect to catch smaller fish at first, however once you get a feel for what type of water the trout are holding in,

don't be afraid to modify your approach. If brown trout are present, seek out a spot on the stream which is easily accessed at low light (if at all possible).  Come dusk, return to the promising hole with a large, size 6 or so, streamer or a mouse fly.  Strip the streamer through the pool multiple times with a varied retrieve, all the while getting a feel for what works.  If using large mouse flies, aim for the opposite bank, and "walk" the mouse in a side to side motion across the creek, letting the current take it downstream from time to time.  Once the sun is down large browns come out of hiding and start to feed, fueling the infamous stories of monster browns chasing schools of minnows in the moon light.  Even just watching a deep pool at dusk can be rewarding. It's not uncommon to see a pool explode with surfacing minnows or a giant splash as the big guys become active.

The type of tackle required for fishing smaller streams also varies from fishing a true trout river.  Shorter, lighter rods are often necessary to avoid the brush. An 8'6" rod should be the absolute max, with much shorter 7' to 8' - 3wt to 5wt rods being the best. As most of these smaller creeks are not too deep, a floating double taper, or weight forward line will suffice.  Should the need arise to get down deeper, you can always add a shot of lead or tin to your leader. It can be very beneficial to practice roll casting before hitting one of these streams, and can make the difference between spending your time untangling wild casts, and catching fish.

Unfortunately, many small trout creeks today run through private lands and farms.  Please check with the land owner and ask for permission before fishing on private land.  Many land owners are happy to grant access to their property as long as they feel assured that nothing will be damaged and no garbage, or in most cases beer bottles will be left behind.

Remember, small streams don't always mean small fish. I truly realized this during an outing with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) where electro-fishing was done on a very, very small stream to record fish species which inhabited the area.  To my surprise, when the nodes gave off the electric shock, temporarily dazing all life in the area, multiple 20" browns surfaced.  Never would I have though that trout even live in such a small creek, never mind 20" browns!  Ever since then I've been a believer, and have not hesitated to cast into those tight spaces where losing a fly seems almost certain.  Even if it takes a half dozen flies to reach that perfect lie and get a 20" brown to rise it's worth it.  An un-crowded trout stream, close to home is priceless and is something worth finding.  Tight lines!

Written By: Nick Pujic, June © 2004
Photographs By: Nick Pujic © 2004 & Glen Hales © 2004