Conditions for Browns

**smallstreams.co.za** · 01-10-06

Hi guys

Recently my buddy Neil and I headed over to Balloch to try our hand at some Wild Browns. Problem was (for Neil), that there was about 4 inches of snow everywhere! I think it was more the terrible road and driving conditions that bothered him more than the cold

In any event, we toiled on to Balloch, and ended up having a pretty amazing day, with some pretty decent browns coming to hand.

Mostly one would think that in conditions like that the fish would not co-oporate ... what are your views?

**KevinE** · 01-10-06

Hi Mario,

I have caught fish (and not caught fish) in all sorts of conditions. I don't have the luxury of deciding when I can or can't fish so when I get my fishing pass stamped I always just go no matter what the conditions and hope for the best.

I have never really tried in falling snow so can't comment. I have fished during and after hail but caught nothing.

My favourite trout fishing conditions are those days that the insects also love: warm, humid, slightly overcast, slight or no breeze. Light rain is OK, during heavy rain not so good, but straight after heavy rain can be good. OK, here's a generalisation: warm rain is better than cold rain.

Saying that, all fishing is good no matter what the conditions. In NZ I'd never go fishing if I was dependent on the weather

Cheers
Kevin

**dlampert** · 02-10-06

Hi Mario,

I agree with Kevin, I don't think the conditions really matter to trout. I have caught them in water ranging from 4C - 25C and while the fight may differ depending on water temp it doesn't stop them taking the fly. In May this year I caught several good fish at Birkhall dam while it was snowing lightly - the midges were hatching and the fish were going crazy ! On the same trip, we also caught fish up at Tenahead while it was snowing.

Regards,
Darryl

**Fario** · 03-10-06

Mario

did you catch any of the fabled "snow trout"?

**fish** · 03-10-06

Caught Browns and Rainbows in the Frying Pan river in Colorado while it was snowing.

The snow didn't make us stop fishing, the fact that after a couple of hours it was close to impossible tying on a fly with fingers that couldn't bend.

**dizzy** · 03-10-06

I think that it is definitely tougher to find the fish, but it is not impossible. Research, time on the water and perserverence pay off in the long run. And, next time round you'll find it easier. But that's just my opinion anyway.