Species · Fly · Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook Trout (American Brook Charr)

A North American charr, introduced to Britain in 1868 and still widely stocked in stillwaters and reservoirs, with self-sustaining populations in only a handful of waters. Hardy, willing takers that keep feeding through the winter months.

Brook Trout (American Brook Charr)
Brook Trout (American Brook Charr)

Where and when

Detail
Habitat Stocked stillwaters and reservoirs, a few naturalised streams
Best time All day
Category Stocked

Baits and tactics

  • Tactics: Dry fly, Short-line nymph, Upstream wet fly
  • Baits and flies: Dry Flies, Nymphs, Wet Flies

Tackle that suits

Detail
Hooks 16-20. Ultra-light dry fly hooks. Fine wire, small hooks for tiny flies on thin tippets
Mainline WF2-3. Ultralight fly line. Light, delicate lines for small streams where distance is not needed
Hooklength 2-3lb tippet. 6-9ft. Fine tippet (6X-7X) for tiny flies and clear water
Shotting No weight. Tiny unweighted flies that land like thistledown.
Field notes Short 7ft rods (2-3wt) are essential for casting under overhanging branches; These fish rarely exceed 8-10 inches but are stunningly beautiful; Crawl on hands and knees to avoid spooking fish in shallow water; A single small dry fly (size 18 Adams) is often all you need; Explore the headwaters of rivers - the further you walk, the wilder the fish; This is fly fishing at its most pure and intimate - enjoy every fish

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