Fly Fishing Small Streams | How To

[@rinrat6754]

This is one of the only fly fishing videos I have ever seen that absolutely nails what I do, and why. The perfect day is a tiny stream, in the middle of nowhere.

[@truthteller8567]

I do a lot of salmon fishing in the Highlands of Scotland with 14 and 15 foot double handed Spey rods but I still have the best days fishing on the upper systems searching out wild brownies with my 7 footer.

[@CplMAC1144]

Perfect video for tenkara. Glad to see you included it. Thanks.

[@merchantmariner6132]

Thanks Tom and Pete - great video! I picked up quite a few tips!

[@newflyfisher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bssaassin1900]

I've done some small stream fly fishing in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and it's a blast. Even in the overcrowded state of California you can still find remote and wild places with wild trout. Of course part of the reason no one is down there is that it's very steep and difficult to get to. But it's awesome being walled in away from the rest of the world by steep canyon walls and alder trees,rock hopping and nailing 10-15" wild bows and browns in every little pool and pocket.

[@kylecduncan]

Right there with you. The E Sierras are my go-to. Just got back from the GTW, in fact. Lots of awesome streams and brooks if you don’t mind hiking.

[@showmemotion]

i love fishing small creeks, thanks for the tips

[@ut_trout_bum]

Watching this video is a must for anglers doing the Utah cutthroat slam! So much good info. Thank you Tom for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Thanks for this great series, this video describes the great majority of trout streams we have here in mainland Australia. It's surprising just how universal the techniques are for trout, even on the other side of the world.

[@newflyfisher]

Great to hear these principles apply in Australia too!

[@davidcook8382]

I only started fishing this spring (2020). From a map I picked a brook just like this in Southern New Brunswick to get started. Didn't catch nuttin'. Then I watched this video and practiced what ol' Tom preached. Learned to roll cast; up-lined my Clearwater 7'6" 4wt. to 5wt. DT and caught my first fish ever. It was great. But better than that rush was -- again from another Orvis video -- I had the fish off and swimmin' again in about 90 seconds from settin' da hook. Thanks Tom & Orvis.

[@hockeyb4886]

This video perfectly explained and illustrated everything I envisioned in fly fishing and hope to experience. Although I am a long time fresh and saltwater angler I am just beginning my fly fishing journey because of all the exact reasons you explained in this video, from the exploration to the solitude and simple appreciation. This really inspired me a lot. Thank you!!

[@GaryP747]

I have to travel some to fish for bigger fish so I'm more than happy at home "most of the time"! Nice video.

[@nickolasspadaro9848]

This is such an insanely good, informative video! Starting fishing for the first time this year and have loved it.

[@newflyfisher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gaulkej2245]

Back in the day, we fished small streams in New Mexico and would catch 30-40 small trout. Best memories ever, still think about it.

[@James-ew4ds]

What streams would you go to?

[@grazjj]

Great video, so helpful and straight forward, thank you Tom

[@baggetja1234]

Shot out to whoever put the tenkara segment in there. I fish the small streams of NC with a 10ft tenkara all the time. I think it works great. I mainly catch fish 6-12in but I have landed fish up to 16in on the same rod.

[@mattokeefe691]

Josh Baggett.. I'm going to try tenkara some time

[@robertlloyd2299]

Small streams in Utah are where I learned to fly fish, and I still prefer those to the bigger more famous rivers in my home state, for the fact that I almost always have the stream to myself, and it's much more peaceful. I've never had to worry about combat fishing on my favorite small streams.

[@gladegoodrich2297]

I grew up in the foothills of the Uinta mountains in Duchesne Co. Grandpa would drive me to a little stream in the morning and pick me up in the afternoon several miles down stream. Only 11 or 12 years old but what great memories!

[@jamesmiddleton5304]

Thank you for posting. I don't get to dosh streams much, but this was useful.

[@harryleichtweis3378]

Finally, the definition of a small stream. Usually my only haunts. Another good one from Tom.

[@rosenbauert]

But don't forget that is only my definition. I am sure other people have other ideas and might not agree

[@AbcDef-ty5dl]

I must say, the ultra light fly rod is my favorite fly rod.

[@johnmac4769]

A lot of small streams in East Tenn. Was fishing in Cherokee Nat Forest and caught a 14 inch brown in a stream you could step across and no one within miles of me. The small streams are fun but also difficult. Brings out some very creative presentations of the fly.

[@lukewood6709]

I just bought my first trout rod from the Encounter 8'4 combo and have lots of small streams around me where I live in Cornwall UK, can't wait to start learning with it

[@aquazwaders]

A lot of good fly fishing information. Nice video.

[@newflyfisher]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jneff1009]

Love it, been finding some peace like this lately outside Denver Metro. Cheers y'all, keep them coming!

[@peterfritsch8506]

Another great Tom R video. Always appreciate the accessibility of these.

[@craigphillips7258]

Thanks, Tom...always learn something from your videos.

[@manifestgtr]

This is the soul of fly fishing imo. Yes...catching a 10lb brown or the king salmon of a lifetime is amazing. But some guys get hung up on that. I remember talking to this dude at a gas station a while back and he was perplexed at the fact that I was bothering to fish this little brook you can hop across for 8” brookies. I mean, he asked questions. It didn’t make sense to him...why bother with the headwaters when the main river has salmon and smallmouth bass? The headwaters have a magic to them that the main river just doesn’t. There’s a sense of adventure and solitude. Every bend has some new, interesting obstacle and under every log, there could be a 12” brook trout. A 12” trout in a tiny stream might as well be a state record brown in my mind. Since I was a kid, I’ve been just completely fascinated with fishing small waters. A 5 lb bass in ankle deep water, a foot long brookie in a remote brook. It’s the last frontier of freshwater fishing and it’s ALWAYS closer than you think. I grew up in the ghetto....we’re talking gang fights, gas stations and stabbings. 15-20 min away, brook trout heaven exists.

[@carsonridd]

Excellent video! I'm so excited to fish my local streams with this info.

[@robertkeitel4876]

Love small stream fishing! Thank you for the video!

[@masonscott4915]

Super helpful. Music on this video is kinda great

[@trevorgreen2370]

Thanks very much, very informative.

[@newflyfisher]

Very welcome

[@pocketacez1211]

Excellent video. Well done.

[@dylanbolvari3415]

Glad you enjoy the small river trout an hoping for the big one in that one whole an never knowing what’s on the next bend

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Exquisite video! I cannot recommend Tenkara highly enough. It is a fantastic thing.

[@ericmackintosh5933]

Thank you for this wonderful content!!

[@yamakawa511]

What a wonderful presentation, really useful information, practical examples and high production quality. Apart from using topo maps to check for stream location and path, consider using a geological map if you can find one for your area, look for areas of limestone that may support better plant and bug life. Y

[@jeffprice4611]

I’m blessed to live in east TN where Appalachian streams are abundant. I fish a 8’ 0wt and have a blast. One thing you didn’t mention is, walked gently. Brook trout can feel your heavy steps through their lateral lines and spook easily. Thanks for the video.

[@rosenbauert]

Good point! Should have mentioned it.

[@MrBluoct]

Jeff Price Rusty C would appreciate this comment !

[@WhoDeyWorld]

Great tip I'm headed to TN next week our campsite has a great little stream behind it on private property. Makes sense the lateral lines freak them out let them know a bear might be near by...

[@johnshand6176]

Very similar to a lot of my streams down-under in NZ. Excellent video and advice. Thanks

[@a1samh97]

Another great one. Thank you

[@jimmynoname4089]

I’ve been hunting for these places for the past couple years. I enjoy the hell out of it. Funny i get all kinds of fish from sun, rock bass, small mouth, and cat fish. Last cat fish I caught was one hell of a fight in a small stream. Very fun!

[@casualobserver3145]

Well that was fun & informative.

[@shawnfreeman7675]

Excellent work! Thank you very much

[@tinagray7652]

Harry Gray: What I love about small streams is that you can actually feel like you are HUNTING for your catch. Large streams you don't often see the trout or have clear target areas. Where as in a small stream you can often spot the trout or use the old adage, rocks rock, foam is home and wood is good. Also, change! Where you see a change in the flow of water such as the head or tail of a pool. First rule, ya catch fish were there are fish. Tom, you da MAN and your video is a CAN do!

[@rosenbauert]

so true

[@edtroup8606]

I been looking for years for this kind of information . Here in pa lots of small streams just George Daniels

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Fantastic video Tom 👍🎣. My biggest Brown trout ( 7lb ) , from a 4ft wide stream in Wales ' England. Stalking still tactics 😛

[@joet81]

Small stream trout fishing is my favourite type of fishing. Many of the streams that I fish, I take note of when I drive by, or I will check Watershed report cards for my local area. Sometimes, there will be data on the types of fish in each body of water, and with a little exploration, I have found some hidden gems and some very large fish as well! I find that brown trout can get very big in some small streams.

[@aaronmartinez3536]

Love love them little brooks! Taste so good! Almost time to get into the Wind Rivers!

[@flyguy4515]

Those were brown trout. Not brooks.

[@Stantonpowaski1234]

@@flyguy4515 ikr

[@matthewallred72]

Thank you so much for this. So helpful. I appreciate you guys so much.

[@leaveandneverreturn6980]

i love your videos!! great tips for a newbie like me :)

[@peconicgp]

great video! Thanks

[@jamesdunn9714]

Within the last two days I caught a 14" rainbow and a 12" rainbow, and several 10" rainbows. All on very small stream. I have never, ever seen another fly fisherman there.

[@flyguy4515]

Do you see anyone at all?

[@nvgpeter]

Tell me where you’re fishing and I’ll be there with a gang of fishing buddies!

[@outdoor_tommy07]

There is a brook around 5 miles from my house, the stream is not considered to be a significant trout stream, but surveys have found that it supports brook trout.

[@BrookieCooki84]

You know what to do!! Tight lines!

[@houla]

a heron is much more of a treat than a frighted deer. Still a nice vid

[@mattokeefe691]

Nice film. Would love to fish some Eastern limestone creeks

[@bunnymann8685]

Awesome, Thank you..

[@ndb2baratta390]

Hey Tom, Thank you so much for another great video. I noticed on a few of the shots you had a right hand retrieve reel despite holding your rod with your right arm?

[@rosenbauert]

Just the way I do it. No right or wrong way. So far I have not been arrested for this habit.

[@ndb2baratta390]

Thanks Tom, appreciate the response. I’m always trying to learn and really enjoy your videos. Thanks again

[@brianschall7104]

Shoot, this is all I've ever fished, being in PA where I learned as a kid, to VA when I was in college, to NM where I live now. Streams from 2 ft to 15 ft wide. Ok, I did go to the San Juan last summer and plan to go back.

[@CarlosGarcia-507]

NM has some waters that rival anywhere else in the country. Keep exploring!!

[@yoopermann7942]

two questions?? one,, what is level line,,,,, and the second is you guys been watching me fish? thank you for the tips

[@MrBrysie]

Good advice Tom and great video. I notice that you (seem) to use barbed hooks on these small trout. Is that normal for you?

[@rosenbauert]

No I usually pinch the barbs but may have forgotten.

[@aaronmiller6118]

I'm staying at a house in July with a stream right next to it that is a tributary of a famous trout river and most likely has trout. The owners say they've seen people catch fish there. It's approximately 5 months til I go there but what better to do than research? Also, I think Huge Fly Fisherman would be disappointed in your support of tenkara

[@thetroutadventure3495]

Hey, You guys do beautiful videos, I love your videos, you really catch some beautiful trouts. been following you since some long. You guys inspired me and I started a KZbin channel, I am based in the other part of world in North India based in Himalayas, Place known as Kashmir, I hope you would have heard about it. We get one of the best rivers to fish, Kashmir Also known as the paradise on earth. I am trying to show the world about our streams & trouts we have. Hopefully you would love it. Thanks 😊.

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

So you just attach the nymph to the hook end of the dry fly? Like with a clench knot around the hook?

[@newflyfisher]

yes, however, if you are using barbless hooks, we like to tie the dropper to the eye of the dry.

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

@@newflyfisher if you tie it to the eye, does it get tangled up a lot? Seems like that might be a nuisance? Ill try both methods anyway. Thanks for the tip! Tight lines!

[@jasonsolis1412]

❤

[@samoistina9507]

nothing can compare with small stream :)

[@janbenda8174]

What Is the best time for fishing right now?

[@janbenda8174]

Of course small stream fly fishing

[@rosenbauert]

Middle of the day is typically the best time, even into the summer because terrestrial insects are more active and that is what most of these trout eat. And most of these little streams stay cold all summer long.

[@uluacom]

🔥

[@chrisrudasill385]

Thought it was Steve Zahn narrating at first.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Got a question for you Tom. I had a chance to watch the underwater world of trout over the last couple of months and one of my big take aways from that was to dress in clothing that is the same color as the background i.e. greens and browns maybe even camo. I noticed that you are wearing gray and even something brighter in one scene. Any thoughts?

[@rosenbauert]

Yeah I don't worry so much about color, but I know other good anglers do. I feel it's movement that spooks trout and hard not to move when you are fishing. Camo shows as much motion, maybe more, than solid colors. There may very well be something to it and it does not hurt to match the background, but I wouldn't have an anxiety attack if you don't have the right color shirt

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Watch out for bigfoot🤣

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Short rod? Nah! There is a reason that tenkara rods are up 13 feet long! If you want to “feel the fight” get an ultra light action!

[@aidangonnelly]

I've Czech nymphed several rivers but IMO it should be banned! folk sticking size 10 &12 through their eyes and skull just isn't right! The small fish of today are the big fish of tomorrow? If you searching a river for large trout that's fine but to walk a river and hit 60 or 70+ 3" or 4" fish for sport its just not fishing! This juvenile fish are feeding on anything that looks right just to survive and sticking size 10's through their skulls doesn't help them survive. This type fishing is for trophy anglers who want to catch fish and not willing to spend the time on bigger water for 2lb+ fish that are a lot harder caught and where days you blank are more common!! Conservation should always be of consideration! 12" for the pan IMO you shouldn't be targeting anything smaller! I personally release 99% of my catches and happy fish blanking days in search of 2lb+ trout. Large trout are harder caught because they are wiser the skill is in catching them not 6 mth old sprats that know no better and will snap at anything!!