Where can you find sea trout in the different seasons, what equipment is required and what flies work best? Yes, the questions are many. Let us inspire you to a more successful fly fishing for the silver of the sea.
Before you read on, I would like to point out that there is a fishing ban on sea trout during certain periods depending on where in Sweden you are. We ask you to check when the sea trout is protected and respect this. It is protected for a reason and we all want the best for the fish.
It is undoubtedly best to search for sea trout where no one else is fishing or at least not fishing at the same time as you. Our Swedish coasts are long and there is enough space for everyone to have their own little donut place. Which brings us to the question.
Where can I find sea trout?
A general tip is to be active in your fishing, move all the time. A few meters between each throw or move to the next bay. Because that's how it is with fly fishing for sea trout - you have to have a plan A, plan B, plan C and maybe more. Even before the fishing trip, you should have planned various places that feel hot and that you can easily get to during the day.
Start by choosing an area, then specify the location. Open Google Maps in satellite view. There you can easily see what the coastline looks like with shallow bays, deep edges and other hot spots. So which are the hot spots during the season? I will now try to explain that and give examples of how these look on the satellite images. Now we go!
Winter and early spring
So this year the sea trout run really shallow. So shallow that before you even think about wading into the water, start from land first. The shallow water usually has a warmer temperature, which brings crustaceans, shrimps and small fish to life. This creates a set table for the sea trout. Sea trout are relatively stationary at this time of year, so cast to stands that feel hot - such as rocks, kelp belts and stream edges. If you don't feel anything, move on, as always it's important to move all the time, but even more important when the water is cold. At this time of year, the fly usually plays a less significant role as the trout are very hungry and on low food, but a personal preference is flashy fluorescent colors. You take the fly home very slowly, with long pauses between takes.
Caption: A good example of a stretch of coast with nice shallow parts that the trout like to stay in early in the year.
Summer
As the temperature in the water rises, the sea trout begin to find their way to the slightly deeper parts. Now you want to start looking for deep edges and slopes in the water. Sea trout patrol these deep edges and actively search for food. The supply of food is massive and the trout grow accordingly. Most of the time, the sea trout of the summer is the trout that is in the best condition. Fishing in the midst of steaming sunshine on a high summer day may not be maximizing your chances of catching fish, even though the chance may still be good. But when the day turns to evening, the water cools down a little and the trout feel safe from the approach of darkness - then you can experience magical fishing. Sea trout that watch in the surface of the shallow parts adjacent to the deep edges and baitfish that flee in panic. Now you want a fly that imitates a bait fish, you take this fly home as fast as you can. Feel free to put the rod in the crook of your arm and take in the line with both hands. The stabs can be violent and create memories for a lifetime.
Caption: Example of a location where trout have access to deeper water close to land, but also close to shallow areas for hunting on summer evenings and nights.
Autumn
The water temperature starts to drop and the end of the season is approaching in most places. Most of the sea trout start moving towards their spawning areas up in streams and rivers. The playsuits that the sea trout have so beautifully donned are mighty and magnificent. There are those trout who think that spawning will have to wait, which remain silvery straight through the winter. Fishing for sea trout in the fall can be extremely successful but also create a lot of headaches. Sometimes the fish want a very quickly retrieved baitfish imitation, while the next day a slowly retrieved brush worm is the winning concept. In autumn, you have to be agile and find the recipe for the day. It makes sense when you think about it. Autumn is the turning point between summer and winter. Thus, the fishing method should also be a mixture of methods used in the summer and those used in the winter.
Caption: This is what the sea trout does when you can't find it on the coast. What fantastic fighters!
What equipment should I have?
For successful and enjoyable fly fishing for sea trout, you need the right equipment, otherwise it can easily become frustrating. With practice comes skill and eventually a lot comes down to your personal preference.
A good benchmark is a single handed rod in grades #6 - #7 in lengths of 9-10 feet. This is to have enough power to cast far and thus cover a lot of water, but also to be able to handle strong wind, which is often the case on our coasts. A recommendation is Guideline LPX Coastal, preferably grade #7 9'3". A lightweight rod that maintains rapid acceleration throughout the stroke.
A reel to match rod is the customer favorite Guideline Halo in grades #6-7. A fully sealed brake system prevents salt water from entering the bearing, which would otherwise quickly destroy any reel. Another important feature is that the reel has a large spool that facilitates quick retrieval of line, reduces line tangling and can hold a lot of backing.
You can use two different types of fly lines to your advantage. In the spring a floating, and an intermediate for fishing in the shallow bays. A favorite line of many coastal residents is the Rio Coastal Seatrout. Very easy to cast, with maximum distance and precision and has slickcast coating that gives your fly line good glide and good durability.
Flies for sea trout can be found here. Colorful flies that wake up the hardy trout can be Super Shrimp Orange or NCA hot pink. An already awake sea trout is otherwise always curious about a Pattegris, Bristle worm or Copper bass
Please feel free to contact us with your thoughts. Write to info@flyfishingmarket. se and we will help you further.
Crap fishing!
All the best,
Emil – Fly Fishing Market