Stepping onto a riverbank with your fly rod in hand is an exciting moment for any angler. To increase your chances of a successful session, it’s essential to develop a keen eye for identifying prime lies where these elusive fish tend to reside. Let’s delve into the key factor’s anglers should look for when arriving at a river, including the best locations and lies favored by wild brown trout. We will explore predominant feeding lies, protective sanctuaries, territorial behavior, and the fascinating phenomenon of the “pillow lie” in front of a rock or boulder. We’ll also uncover why trout’s heightened aggression prompts them to attack nymphs in protective lies not because the see your nymph as food but just out of pure aggression.
Reading the River: The predominant lie
Start by observing the water’s surface. Riffles and runs, characterized by broken water and a slightly faster current, are favored lies for brown trout. These areas provide an abundant food supply. Trout will position themselves strategically in these sections, taking advantage of the consistent flow to feed actively. Predominant lies are locations where brown trout hold to take advantage of an abundant food supply. These include deep pools, riffles, and seams where currents deliver a steady flow of insects and food to them. Trout generally lie in the predominant lies when there is no threat to them like floods, predators, or anglers.
Trout will also sit in pools formed by slower currents, offering them a respite from the main flow. These areas are often deeper, providing refuge and access to a diverse range of food sources. Pools and eddies frequently contain crustaceans, small fish, and even terrestrial insects that have fallen into the water, making them attractive feeding grounds for brown trout. The lie is all determined by the stream or supply of food and also the less amount of energy the fish must use to get that food.
The Protective Lies: Trout’s Safe Havens
Protective lies are areas where they find cover from predators and strong currents. Fallen trees, undercut banks, and large rocks provide refuge for the trout when the feel threatened. These locations can also be a place to rest and get cover from the elements.
Undercut Banks: When you spot undercut banks along the river’s edge, take note. Brown trout frequently seek shelter beneath these banks, which offer protection from overhead predators and relief from direct sunlight. The darkness beneath the bank provides a safe haven where trout can rest and wait till the dangers have passes.
Fallen Trees low lying limbs: Keep an eye out for fallen trees and branches that lie low or in the water, as they create intricate structures in the water, perfect for trout to hide. The tangle of branches and submerged debris provides excellent cover against predators, making these areas popular protective lies for brown trout.
The “Pillow Lie”: A fascinating phenomenon occurs in front of rocks or boulders, known as the “pillow lie.” Here, the river’s current creates a pillow-shaped pocket of calm water. Brown trout often position themselves in this spot, taking advantage of the slower flow and using the rock as cover. The pillow lie presents an opportunity for anglers to target trout with precision casts and delicate presentations. This is often where you can find the bigger fish hiding.
Impressions in the Riverbed: For some trout the protective lie is simply a depression in the riverbed that’s deeper than the surrounding areas. Once the trout feels the need to move to their protective lie, they will just sit down in that depression and wait it out. The trick here is to be able to identify these locations and adjust your tactics appropriately, like heavier nymphs for example. It is also a similar case under white water, Trout will often push under the white water of rapids where they feel safe. The water here is clam with the fast water flowing on the surface. Penetration of that fast water on top with you flies will be key to catching these trout.
Trout Territorial Behavior: Wild brown trout are territorial and tend to stay within their preferred territories, even when threatened. When another trout or angler intrudes upon their territory, brown trout can display aggressive behavior. In protective lies, when trout are pushed into heightened aggression due to a perceived threat, they may attach a nymph not only because they perceive it as food but also out of heightened aggression. Anglers can capitalize on this behavior by presenting nymph imitations effectively in protective lie areas. Of course, these protective lies are often not so easy to cast to or investigate with a nymph. The angler needs to look at the environment, skills, and the tools they have to getting there fly in the vision of the aggressive trout. Do that and you will surely get a take.
By honing your observation skills and understanding the habits of wild brown trout, you can identify prime lies and increase your chances of success. The pursuit of wild brown trout in rivers is a captivating endeavor that requires an understanding of their lies, behaviors, and territorial instincts. By recognizing the protective and predominant lies they inhabit, the angler can unlock the secrets of these elusive creatures and increase their chances of success. Remember, patience, observation, and careful presentation of flies are the keys to enticing and fooling the trout.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel for lots more top tips, live content, streams, and fishy talk.
Peter
