How to Catch More Trout! (Fly Fishing for Big Brown Trout)

In this video I pick apart a beautiful hole trying to catch big wild brown trout. I catch quite a few fish and decided to put together a video talking about how I fly fish for trout. This should help you catch more trout and bigger trout next time you're on the water!
Essentially on this particular day of fishing the sun was out and the fishing had been decent, but nothing overly insane. I had been catching some nice fish, much like this one here…. But nothing of significance. When I came up to this next hole though, I immediately recognized the potential for large fish and stated to pick it apart.
In general this hole was larger than some of the other holes I had been fishing through, but even more important than that is it had cover. The back end of the hole where I caught that first fish was probably 4 feet deep with good moving water. And depth is an underrated piece of cover, but I think everyone keys in on this while fishing without even thinking much about it. But this hole had 2 other good things going for it, which was lots of overhanging tree cover and a large downed tree at the head of the hole. Overhanging trees not only provide shade and cover but are also great sources of food for trout because there are a lot of bugs that fall into the water off of the trees… and if you don’t believe me next time you’re walking up a creek or river shake a limb and watch what falls off… but by far the most important is the log at the head of the hole with a good current seem pushing against it. If you can ever find current hitting a downed tree or root ball you should spend extra time fishing that ESPECIALLY if you’re fishing for brown trout. That’s because brown trout are predators and once they hit a certain size they look almost exclusively for other bait fish and what the limb is to a brown trout is an ambush point. Think of the current as natures conveyor belt, constantly pushing food and bait fish down the river. Not only that but the log provides cover from any predators, such as birds of prey, and it’s a current break or the browns to sit without expending too much energy, so it’s a trifecta of perfection.
The head end of a hole is the most likely spot for you to catch a large brown trout. That’s because the king of the hole gets the best spot to feed because they bully any other smaller trout that may try to take the ideal feeding lane. And as I mentioned earlier, there’s a log at the head of this hole, which is about to come into play in a negative way, but it’s a perfect spot for an apex predator to hide. If you’re lucky, the brown will have pushed out of the log jam to feed when you’re fishing, but a lot of times you have to get really close to the log to entice the brown to come out. This hole also had a crazy undercut root ball on the far left side that is an ideal place for a big fish to be. Basically this hole was perfect for a multitude of reasons, which I knew meant my likelihood of hooking a big fish was high.
I hope you enjoy this more educational style video! If you enjoyed it let me know in the comments!
#howto #fishing #flyfishing #outdoors #troutfishing

[@michaelsmith7193]

One of the really wonderful things about fly fishing is that there is always something new to learn. I’ve been fly fishing for trout for more than six decades - and I am delighted to report that Jon still has timely lessons to provide! Thank you for another great video!

[@hardmanfishing]

Couldn't agree more!! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it

[@augustwest9339]

Great tips. You should show us what flies you use and also leader/tippet length, plus if you have a striker on your line. That would be helpful for us viewers. Thanks for the videos.

[@hardmanfishing]

Will do! Thanks for watching

[@pairashootpants5373]

Yes agreed! Tell us what kit you used to land that big sucker! The big mommas have been avoiding my line all season this year!

[@tonycamplin8607]

An excellent tutorial video, what a fantastic fish. Your casting is amazing with all of those trees about you missed them all. Not much music but none is needed, love the scenery.

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Now that's the way you do it! Hiyolda (Excellent) video, Jon! Awesome educational video. There was something for everyone, from beginner to the accomplished fly fisherman. The way you handled the log situation was absolutely accurate. To take time and read the river, creek, pond, or any other body of water is a must and you explained everything so well. The quality of the video with arrows and points of interest is spot on. Keep them coming. Showing the good and the bad or mishaps is transparent and honestly the best video you have done so far. I'm proud to see the awesome fisherman you've become, and always tight lines. May Creator bless and keep you safe always, Tony Walkingstick

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks Tony! That means a lot, glad you enjoyed it

[@swr917sr]

Enjoyed this video. I can always learn more to help me enjoy fishing more. Showing us your flys and set up would make a great video too. Thanks!

[@hardmanfishing]

I definitely plan on doing that! Thanks for watching!

[@barryloy5772]

I have watched this video for the third time already and it’s just an amazing piece of work. Talking about depth and tree cover, just really nice work!

[@hardmanfishing]

That's awesome!! Glad you're enjoying it and thanks for watching. Maybe I'll have to do a few more of these.

[@tomsanderson4983]

Glad to see someone else talking to fish like this 😆

[@hardmanfishing]

I think I'm losing my mind... but it's fine😂

[@robertholcomb5028]

I love that you value feedback from your audience and provide us great information in beautiful places, with amazing fish. I really liked this video. One of my favorites. Keep them coming for all of us who want to be like you!

[@hardmanfishing]

Of course! I love reading the comments from people who watch the videos. Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@mattmeyer935]

Heck of a fish man, that log maneuver was wild!

[@charliesutphin3808]

Catches a 18 inch trout, “tell your big mama to eat”😂😂love it

[@davemoranino]

For real 😂

[@hardmanfishing]

Listen sometimes you have to talk to em😂

[@what...5926]

Hey man, love the videos. I always wonder what and what size flies you're throwing. That would be helpful for me. Thanks for the videos!

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm trying to put that in the videos more I promise LOL I keep forgetting about it while I'm out fishing

[@leemowers9395]

Nice instruction, thanks for sharing.

[@clydeshope6942]

Another awesome video well done some really nice fish

[@goldenbear8250]

GREAT FIGHT! That's why we fish! Those brown's are wiley! To me, the most fun to catch!

[@briljantje9583]

Hi John, excellent instruction video for beginners. 👌

[@SouthMend]

Dude that log maneuver was sick! Can’t believe you got that fish out

[@hardmanfishing]

It was lucky I'm not going to lie! Thanks for watching

[@deanvarner9308]

Your videos are Always fantastic,keep the great work ❤❤

[@ClimberCulture]

Loved the commentary super helpful

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Enjoyed, it's amazing where the fish hang and how the bodies of change from year to year too

[@hardmanfishing]

That's very true! Seasonally these water body's can change dramatically. Thanks for watching

[@juwright1949]

Excellent!👍🏻

[@davidkennedy9968]

Great video. Good job, Bro!

[@DndCfishnexplore]

One of my favorite videos. I worked a new creek yesterday and got skunked bad, lost about six flies. Not a good day. But beautiful water. This just reminds me where to start and take my time. Thanks.

[@hardmanfishing]

I got skunked this weekend on a few creeks and had to use my backup plans! It happens to all of us, thanks for watching

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

Great video and great information thank you!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@papatbj]

Nice video! Enjoyed the content. Love the staple Hardman vids, but that was nice too!

[@hardmanfishing]

Heck yeah! Glad you enjoyed it. I'll definitely incorporate some similar videos in with the usual content. Thanks for watching

[@barryloy5772]

Very nice and informative video. Nice work

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@daletowler1354]

Hardman you said the right thing how to read a stream, and the trees have a lot of bugs, in June in Jersey inch worms fall off. you catch fish and some guys come across the stream fish in the hole that you are at,, had that done in NJ .. good luck fishing

[@hardmanfishing]

Yep same down here in WV and many other states I fish! Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching

[@bryanricottilli1450]

Love your vids, keep posting these awesome videos, I learn so much from them.

[@hardmanfishing]

Awesome! thanks for watching

[@bryanricottilli1450]

@@hardmanfishing I went fly fishing for the first time yesterday, with my Papaws help and caught my first 21 inch Brown in Dry Fork. I wouldn't of done it without this video.

[@JollyolSaintNick]

great vid!

[@1920hunter]

I just got a Risen 23PS 3WT for drys and I love it. This purchase was driven by your videos! Thanks muchly!

[@mlg2416]

so helpful!

[@MrGrentch]

Had my heart in my mouth with that second fish. Worth the dunking 😁

[@marisamontgomery7340]

very educational 🫡

[@Flyfisherwyo]

Nice stuff! Big fish can also often be in the tail of the pool because of all the food getting funneled into a narrow section👍

[@hardmanfishing]

No doubt! I don't see that as much out where I'm at just because the tail end of the pool I think is susceptible to birds and other things eating the trout. Or that's just my assumption. But when I travel I've fished areas where that happens almost exclusively

[@themidnightrider6805]

Great video

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks!

[@allistairdeverteuil6164]

I'm in Florida watching this is a real treat, where did all of this take place

[@appleseeD552]

Great vid my friend, as always. 😀👍 It's been a minute since I've commented and for that I apologize. 😔 One thing, if I could suggest...the broadside video of the catches you and your brother show are spectacular, plz don't get me wrong...what I think would be a nice touch would be showing the headlong look as well to be able to get a better grasp of the GIRTH of the BEAUTIES. 😮 I know some of the catches have been monumental to say the least. Just a thought, again not tryin to tell ya how to make your vidz er nuthin...just a thought. 🤷‍♂️ Hope you and your brother are well and as always, Peace.✌😎

[@marisamontgomery7340]

thanks girlie🥰 🐠

[@noahgrady3628]

Caught subs beautiful fish

[@kingdomcome5394]

What do you set your drag to when catching bigger fish? Also would love to see more of your fly picks and set up of your tippet. Thanks good job

[@bengibson2383]

Awesome video!!! I’m going streamer fishing tomorrow with my new streamer rod, I’m going to be on a mission for a big trout.

[@hardmanfishing]

Good luck!

[@bengibson2383]

@@hardmanfishing do you ever get skunked on your streamer days? 😅

[@MrRourk]

But it is catfish season already :) There are still some high altitude creeks I can go to for trout. Mostly done till October for trout here in AZ.

[@billmccroskey9014]

Good stuff. Like the “instructional” tips pointing out what you look for on a creek along with the usual landing of some nice fish. What diameter tippet were you using to not break off on those big guys? Also it didn’t look as tho the creek warranted much if any fly line outside the guides, true?

[@hardmanfishing]

I was using 4x tippet! And that's true, that creek is pretty small and has lots of overhanging cover. So usually you can't cast very conventionally.

[@wesmcclaskie3442]

Awesome videos.I'm really new to fly fishing.What size parachute Adam's would you suggest starting out on ? Thanks

[@hardmanfishing]

It depends on where you're fishing and what you're fishing for.... I'd say probably a size 14 or 16 is generally a good all around size though.

[@jimcastillo8950]

hello, what is your setup? Rod , length , thanks. looking for a rod for small creeks .

[@casperfiskarkornerfochcykl1729]

What gear do you use for this kinde of fishing and what flies do you use?

[@minsujeon5421]

Im also around the north Georgia area and want to get into creek and smaller fly fishing. I’m pretty new to the whole fly fishing thing. What do you use or recommend for rod size and line weight for smaller river/creek application?

[@paulmcewan8144]

Fishing 🎣🎣🎣

[@armandoveloz5644]

Let’s see the setup from rob/reel to line and flies rig

[@wildbrookies]

Yes,I think you’re using an Orvis reel but can’t tell what model or what fly rod/line ,etc.

[@damonsobers9429]

I like this video better than the 8” brookies 👍

[@hardmanfishing]

Don't hate on the 8 inch brookies!😂 But glad you enjoyed it

[@djdmultimedia1245]

What fly are you using?

[@OlredRN]

Would you fish it differently with rooster tails ?

[@HoundDogDefense]

Great video! Any chance we will see a video on what gear you have/use? Like rods, reels, waders, clothing etc?

[@hardmanfishing]

Yea for sure!!

[@HoundDogDefense]

@@hardmanfishing Heck yeah dude! I’m a nerd for that stuff so I’ll definitely enjoy it, I love seeing how many setups people have, the clothing, how its stored and all that stuff!

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

You should do an in-depth streamer fishing for big browns video

[@hardmanfishing]

I plan on it! I'm going to do several videos actually

[@marisamontgomery7340]

brother chiiiilll😎

[@SCYCOFISHINGHUNTING]

To all the beginners out there, if you are looking to catch a ton of fish I highly recommend looking into euro nymphing. Way easier to learn than traditional nymphing, and way less frustrating. Find someone knowledgeable in your area to help you with fly selection, whether that be a fly shop or a buddy. Nymphs are your best bet for catching lots of trout

[@rjkoelmel2094]

Is he euro nymphing in the video, I thought I saw multicolored mono but he’s casting pretty far (I’m new)

[@hardmanfishing]

@@rjkoelmel2094 Yes I was

[@gzeppe4671]

I like the more informative fishing techniques, amount of detail was good. Curious can you catch just as big of fish using a dry fly in same sections of the river or is it primarily nymphing since you need to reach them deep in the water column?

[@hardmanfishing]

Dry flies for big fish, at least where I'm from, is a pretty rare occurrence. I mean during certain times of the year you can make it happen... but on this day there was no crazy hatches popping off so I wouldn't have had a chance. Especially not in this faster water. Getting deep and close to cover is the name of the game. Streamers would have been the only other thing that would have worked outside of nymphs, but the sun was so high I figured I better stick to nymphs

[@gzeppe4671]

@@hardmanfishingmakes perfect sense! Thanks for all your amazing videos! Enjoy it out there

[@CarlileFlynFowl]

What size rod are you using on these streams?

[@hardmanfishing]

In this video I was using a 10 foot 3 wt

[@palmtreezzz]

Love the more instructional content. Honestly would make it even MORE instructional, but I understand that’s not for everyone.

[@hardmanfishing]

I plan on doing more of it for sure!

[@skitteryoh9949]

Are you using a mono line with no indicator and a nymph? I love you vids but love the vids were you show what gear you use. I dont think there would be many viewers who would be upset about you showing what setup you use everyvid. I dont know why more people dont show there rigs and how there fishing. Anyway keep up the good work.

[@mikeyrickley9113]

What is your combo???

[@oscars4107]

I never quite nail it on selecting the correct colour or type of fly to use. I always have the feeling that if I hook a fish it's more by luck than skill.

[@hardmanfishing]

I still feel that way 😂

[@Godisfirst_123]

Bro at Davison river there is trout bigger than 30in

[@saul78oldrite]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. Please share your rod set up for the dry flies and sinking flies please. Leader, tippet length and specs. Thank you.

[@HaB-rj9mi]

In a lake how do you catch trout

[@twojstaryplec3495]

I think the best fly is Blob fly

[@jthom8226]

I’ve had a huge amount of success with the royal humphy in a lake

[@oldschooltunervw]

Depends on the lake

[@ShaneLOVESfish]

If they're stockies anything

[@robertrichardson6227]

Take it easy on the chill brother chill over and over It’s distracting

[@hardmanfishing]

Chillllll brother chill! Idk why I kept saying that honestly, never said it before 😂

[@marisamontgomery7340]

it’s illegal for the fish to go that way😠