Whether walking along the bank, wading through a stream,
kicking in a float tube, or boating, the float and fly setup consistently
catches freshwater trout anywhere in the world.
This easy-to-use technique, which has been proven to be
effective in catching trout, employs conventional spinning equipment. Most bass
anglers will already have most of the equipment needed. I use the same rod,
reel, and mainline as my bass float and fly, but the remaining components
change slightly. Let’s look at how this technique can enhance your trout fishing
experience.
Equipment
The rod type I prefer for a freshwater bass float and fly
set-up has a unique trout-like action and is very limber at the tip. This rod’s
action sets it apart from my other bass gear, making it a fascinating choice
for the same technique, but with trout as the new target.
A 7’-6”
Lamiglas Rogue River Special, this two-piece spinning ‘stick’ makes an easy
travel rod.
Every component of a fishing system needs to balance with
each other. The reel I've chosen for this fishing rod is a perfect fit. It's
spooled with 8-pound Berkley FireLine Crystal Braid, a main line that's just
right. The rod, reel, and braided main line are all direct crossovers from
freshwater bass float and fly fishing, showing the adaptability of the system.
The remaining components of this trout system are carefully adjusted from a
traditional bass float-n-fly system, ensuring you can fish for trout with
confidence.
A Shimano
Stradic 2500 spooled with 8 lb. Fireline Crystal Braid.
Braid, my preferred main line, offers a unique level of
control. Its minimal stretch provides precise feedback when a fish subtly takes
the fly. The line's exceptional casting ability and buoyancy, akin to fly
fishing, make it easy to adjust. Particularly at the start of a cast, when
there's a significant distance between you and the lure, the lack of stretch
aids in hook sets providing you with an advantage.
The clear plastic casting bubble float, a versatile tool, is
attached to the braided main line. During the cast, you're casting the float,
not the fly. These floats, with their removable center stem, allow you to
adjust their buoyancy by adding water. This adaptability not only aids in
casting accuracy and distance, but also alters the float's position in the
water, influencing the retrieve and making you feel resourceful.
Water in the float enhances casting distance and impacts retrieval movement. BBs provide acoustic enhancement to the setup.
A swivel is tied to the main line below the float. The braid
goes through the float stem, and the swivel must be large enough not to pass
through the float. A SPRO Ball Bearing Swivel, size based on float size, is an
excellent choice. A rod length of 3- or 4-pound fluorocarbon line attaches a
fly from the swivel. The beauty of this setup is that the fly can be any type a
fisherman prefers, giving you the power to customize your fishing experience.
For me, I’m partial to Wooly Buggers (big bait, LOL), purple, black, brown, and
olive green. I might tie one with a micro-spinner prop if I really feel
adventurous.
Anglers have a wide variety of flies to choose from. Woolly Buggers are a favorite among trout.
Observation is a crucial skill in every type of fishing.
There's a wide variety of flies that can be effectively used with this system.
So, don't be afraid to observe and experiment. If you spot a hatch and want to
'Match the Hatch,' it's a wise choice. If you're not getting bites despite
fishing in good water, keep changing the fly until the trout respond to your
presentation.
The Retrieve
When fishing for trout with this set-up, I'm always in for a
surprise. The speed at which I retrieve the fly is a mystery, determined by the
conditions and the mood of the trout. After a cast and a quick settling pause,
the adventure begins as I start bringing the fly back to me. The amount of
water inside the float is a variable that changes how the system moves through
the water, adding to the suspense. The float's resistance against the water as
it is retrieved creates a rhythmic cadence upon the fly, a rhythm that I can
only guess. I experiment, retrieve, pause, and vary the pace and rhythm,
eagerly waiting to discover what the trout prefer that day.
Some anglers add brass bb's inside the float, as the rattle
can enhance attraction. By experimenting with the number of bb's, the amount of
water, fluorocarbon versus monofilament leaders, fly type, and speed control,
an angler can cover a wide range of the water column.
When the float moves quickly towards you, the fly will rise.
Conversely, when the float moves slowly or is stationary, the fly will sink in
the water column. It's important to play with speed and cadence until you start
to notice patterns. These small details can make a significant difference.
Fishing this way allows you to cover more water and target
active fish, which I find appealing.
Let’s Dance
Exceptional fishing skills and an open mind are excellent
partners. Everything has its place and time. Enter the Line Dancer. You may
have seen the television commercials and perhaps categorized the Line Dancer as
a ‘Gimmick.’
The Line Dancer
The Line Dancer is a simple yet effective device that alters
the distance and angle at which your fishing line feeds back onto the spool of
a spinning reel. This adjustment creates an oscillating thump and vibration
that travels down the line to the fly, giving it a distinctive movement. There
will be occasions when using the Line Dancer results in more strikes.
Adjustable for different levels
of action
Slip onto spinning rod and
slide towards reel until snug
Cast lure into water
Place line in Line Dancer and
begin retrieve
Remove line from Line Dancer, cast and repeat
Note: When a fish is on, it is
important to remove line from Line Dancer Before retrieving
Gull Lake on the June Lake
Loop California, flat calm, no wind, clear blue skies.
Tip
How many times have you gone fishing, and it’s flat-calm,
with no wind and clear blue skies, and you’re not getting a bite? These are
challenging fishing conditions. But with a little finesse, you can create
surface ripples by shaking the float. The key is to generate these ripples over
your fly. Work your fly in the right areas, and during these challenging ‘Blue
Bird’ circumstances, those subtle ripples might cheat an inquisitive trout from
getting too good of a look at your artificial fly. This action applies to any
top-water fishing, showing that with ingenuity, you can adapt to any condition.
Let’s Go Fishing
Keep in mind that the descriptions reflect typical trout
fishing in the Mammoth Region and Southern California's 'Stocker' trout plants.
As with any well-structured system, you can adapt these principles to suit your
location and fish species, whether they are found in freshwater or saltwater.
A beautiful rainbow trout swims away after being released at Lake George, Mammoth Lakes, California, after being duped using the Float and Fly technique.
From the mountains
to our urban lakes and every river and stream in between, trout find it hard to
resist a fly presented using this system. You don’t need to make a significant
investment to get started. If trout fishing is part of your game, consider
giving this technique a try!
