How-To: High Water Brown Trout

We spent 15 minutes on the phone with Capt. Tyler Nonn to discuss fishing for high water brown trout with the Hogy Original Series in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Here's what we found out... 

Capt. Tyler Nonn
Website: http://twcharters.com/
Instagram: @tidewatercharters
Facebook: Tidewater Charters

Location: Mid-Atlantic Region Tailwaters

Approach: Back down the river slightly slower than the speed of the current with the trolling motor. Pitching baits at any type of current break, structure, soft water pockets, flooded riparian zones, gravel bars, log jams and islands.

Rigging Selection: Lightly weighted and un-weighted swim bait hooks. Even in off color water conditions we tend to use a 18” 12 to 15lb fluorocarbon leader especially if you’re using a braided line.

Bait Selection: Using the 7” Original Series, or 6”and 4” Skinny Series in natural colors. If you know you are in big trout territory start by selecting baits that are similar to the colors of smaller trout, scuplins, and other river baitfish of the region.

Colors: The first color of choice would be amber. Second choice would be white. Big brown trout are apex predators and feed on smaller trout, scuplins and other baitfish in the region that are typically light brown and white in color. We progress from natural colors to black, pinks, and chartreuse to get a reaction strike.

Retrieve:  When fishing browns, a medium pace jerk, jerk, pause retrieve is best. Keep your rod tip down to keep the bait low in the water.

OUTFIT

Rod: Medium-Fast  action 7′ 6″ St. Croix spinning rod with a medium fast tip. The slightly softer tip help cast a light weight bait further.

Reel:  Shimano Stradic 3000 and 4000.

Line: 15lb power pro braid for my main line. For leader, 12lb – 15lb Fluorocarbon is perfect for browns. Use a uni to uni knot for line to leader connection.