Sea Trout Fishing with the Fly

Black Pennell Variant

A good daytime choice

Day Time fly Fishing

This method can be used when the river is high and coloured. It may also be used when there is a riffle on the water, usually on an overcast day.

Flies to be used when the river is low include small wet flies i.e Invicta, Teal blue and silver etc. The flies should be small tied
perhaps on a size 12 or 14 single. I seldom fly fish in the day, however the method does work, using a team of three
flies and lighter line than at night, i.e 4-6 lbs. A productive cast for the Tywi would see a Black Pennell as the point fly with
a Bibio on the dropper.

Consideration may also be given to small dry flies, a Black Gnat or Small White pattern fished upstream in fast flowing may
also produce a fish. On one afternoon on the Rheidol I had two lovely Sewin on a Black Ant.

In coloured water then the fly size may increase, Orange and Gold patterns would be a consideration here, and perhaps
the deadliest pattern of them all would be Ian Finylas's Spate Snake.

It is worth bearing in mind that if you intend to fish at night, fly fishing during the day in low water MAY have an
ADVERSE effect. If you have to fish, firstly consider other anglers, and then find a pool or run that you do not intend to
fish later in the day.

Structures and obstructions in the river may well hold a fish or two, concentrate carefully on these areas. A square
cast above a feature in the river, allowing the smaller fly to sink can be a productive method of fishing.

By far the most enjoyable and productive method for catching sea trout is Fly Fishing at night. In hot summer months when rivers are low this can be the only way to catch fish. However a cast in the day should not be neglected!

Fly Fishing by Night

Described by some as the 'Pinnacle of angling' this really is something else. It becomes a passion and an obsession, winters seem longer, with yearnings for warm summer nights and the sound of a distant splash.

We should thank Hugh Falkus for opening the door to this type of fishing in the 1960's. In recent years others have imparted their knowledge so we too can benefit, Moc Morgan, Dr Graham Harris, Charles Bingham and James Waltham deserve mention and thanks.

But it is Falkus that should be credited for the way in which most anglers fish at night time.

It would be difficult, perhaps impossible for any book or website to be written without the mention of Falkus. I believe the most fundamental lesson we take from 'Sea Trout Fishing' is Dividing the Night.

Hugh Falkus split his nights fishing into three sections. Each stage of the night is dependant on conditions; Water Height/Depth, Water Colour, Light conditions, Flow, Weather

‘As dawn approaches the sport can be hectic, again revert to a floating line and smaller flies. Try the methods used in the ‘first half,’ once again, reverting to sunk lures and tubes. As dawn breaks there is always the chance of a salmon or two!

N.B If you intend fishing over a few days, tiredness will creep up and slap you in the face. So as not to ruin your chances I would suggest that the majority of your fishing is concentrated around ‘The First Half,’ and ‘Half Time.

In high and coloured water a sink tip line or an intermediate line should be considered in order to present your fly at the correct depth. The floating line is best used in low water.

The depth of pool is also important to note. If the fish are not responding to a fly fished high in the water with a floating line then consider using a sinking variant and achieving a greater depth. I feel that the floating line gives far more sensitivity when fishing.

Basically for the first half of the night try with a floating line or a sink tip. Flies to use include the Medicine, Silver Stoat and Alexandra, tied on a variety of singles, doubles and tubes. Fly choice is imperative, not because of the fish, but if you are confident with it, it will reward you. See Flies page for more pattens

Concentrate on movement, fishing the runs into pools, the pools themselves and the tails and runs below. Do not rush, fish with stealth and care. The aim of the movement is to cover as much water with your fly as possible. The more water you cover the more fish you cover.

As the night takes hold and the activity of the fish slows, move to a intermediate line and heavy flies. These could be tube flies or flies tied on Waddington Shanks. The fish will be low in the water and these flies will get to the right depth. Again move through the stretch, pay attention to deep holes and lies. Never avoid features in the river, rocks always hold fish as do obstructions i.e. A sunken tree.

Half time is also the time for a break, a smoke, a chat, a change of fly etc, etc.

It is also the beginning of what I believe is the most exciting form of fishing for sea trout;

A Sea Trout caught at night on fly


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Black Pennell Variant A good daytime choice Bibio Stoat A killer patten	Day Time fly Fishing This method can be used when the river is high and coloured. It may also be used when there is a riffle on the water, usually on an overcast day. Flies to be used when the river is low include small wet flies i.e Invicta, Teal blue and silver etc. The flies should be small tied perhaps on a size 12 or 14 single. I seldom fly fish in the day, however the method does work, using a team of three flies and lighter line than at night, i.e 4-6 lbs. A productive cast for the Tywi would see a Black Pennell as the point fly with a Bibio on the dropper. Consideration may also be given to small dry flies, a Black Gnat or Small White pattern fished upstream in fast flowing may also produce a fish. On one afternoon on the Rheidol I had two lovely Sewin on a Black Ant. In coloured water then the fly size may increase, Orange and Gold patterns would be a consideration here, and perhaps the deadliest pattern of them all would be Ian Finylas's Spate Snake. It is worth bearing in mind that if you intend to fish at night, fly fishing during the day in low water MAY have an ADVERSE effect. If you have to fish, firstly consider other anglers, and then find a pool or run that you do not intend to fish later in the day. Structures and obstructions in the river may well hold a fish or two, concentrate carefully on these areas. A square cast above a feature in the river, allowing the smaller fly to sink can be a productive method of fishing.	By far the most enjoyable and productive method for catching sea trout is Fly Fishing at night. In hot summer months when rivers are low this can be the only way to catch fish. However a cast in the day should not be neglected!				Fly Fishing by Night Described by some as the 'Pinnacle of angling' this really is something else. It becomes a passion and an obsession, winters seem longer, with yearnings for warm summer nights and the sound of a distant splash. We should thank Hugh Falkus for opening the door to this type of fishing in the 1960's. In recent years others have imparted their knowledge so we too can benefit, Moc Morgan, Dr Graham Harris, Charles Bingham and James Waltham deserve mention and thanks. But it is Falkus that should be credited for the way in which most anglers fish at night time. It would be difficult, perhaps impossible for any book or website to be written without the mention of Falkus. I believe the most fundamental lesson we take from 'Sea Trout Fishing' is Dividing the Night. Hugh Falkus split his nights fishing into three sections. Each stage of the night is dependant on conditions; Water Height/Depth, Water Colour, Light conditions, Flow, Weather