Species · Fly · Salmo trutta
Sea Trout
The enigmatic silver ghost. Sea trout are migratory brown trout that have been to sea and return to rivers to spawn. Night fishing for sea trout on a moonless summer night is fly fishing at its most atmospheric and thrilling.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers at night, estuaries, coastal waters |
| Best time | Night (dusk to dawn) |
| Category | Migratory |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Wet fly at night, Surface lure, Upstream nymph
- Baits and flies: Salmon Flies, Wet Flies, Streamers
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 6-10. Strong wet fly hooks. Heavy wire hooks for night flies - they need to swim properly in the current |
| Mainline | WF7-8. Weight Forward floating or intermediate. Floating for surface work, intermediate for deeper fishing |
| Hooklength | 8-12lb tippet. 6-9ft. Strong mono leader - sea trout fight hard and can reach double figures |
| Shotting | No added weight. Fly weight and line density provide the sink rate. |
| Field notes | Night fishing is essential - sea trout are nocturnal in rivers; Dark, silhouette flies work best at night: black and silver patterns; Fish the pool tail - sea trout rest in the deep water and feed at the tail; A moonless, overcast night with warm rain is perfection for sea trout; Let the fly swing across the current and hang in the flow at the end; Be prepared for explosive takes - sea trout hit hard and jump repeatedly |
The rules
Ireland freshwater rules
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 25 cm |
| Closed (or catch and release only) | November, December, January, February |
| Status | Permit Required |
Same state licence covers salmon and sea trout. Specific bag limits and minimum sizes vary by fishery - many rivers are C&R only for sea trout under 40cm. Verify with IFI for the specific catchment.
Authority: Inland Fisheries Ireland. Verify the current rules before you fish.
Northern Ireland freshwater rules
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 25 cm |
| Closed (or catch and release only) | November, December, January, February |
| Status | Permit Required |
DAERA rod licence + waters permit. Specific bag limits vary by catchment. Strong C&R culture for larger sea trout.
Authority: DAERA Northern Ireland. Verify the current rules before you fish.
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