Stillwater lure fishing uses larger, more mobile flies to search for trout and provoke a response. It is particularly effective when fish are not visibly rising, when water temperatures are cooler, after stocking, or when trout are feeding actively on small fish and larger aquatic food.
The term lure fishing covers a broad range of patterns, from small, subtle flies such as a Cat's Whisker or Black and Green to larger, brighter patterns including Blob Flies, Boobies, Humungous and brightly coloured attractors. These flies do not always represent one exact natural food item. Their effectiveness often comes from movement, colour, flash and their ability to trigger a trout's instinct to chase.
Stillwater lure fishing is particularly effective during the early season, especially February, March and April on larger reservoirs. At this time of year there is often relatively little natural food available, while recently stocked trout are still settling into the water and are more prepared to chase a moving fly. Lure fishing allows anglers to search the water efficiently and cover the areas where these fish are likely to be holding.
Depth and retrieve speed are the two most important variables. Trout may be feeding close to the surface, suspended in the upper layers or holding deeper, so changing depth is often more productive than repeatedly changing flies. Once the correct level has been found, vary the retrieve from a slow figure-of-eight to short pulls, longer strips and deliberate pauses until the trout show a preference. The most productive approach is usually the one that combines the right depth with the right speed.
Lure fishing is often used to search water and locate fish. Rather than waiting for visible signs of feeding, anglers cover different depths and areas methodically until they find the line, retrieve and fly that produces takes. This makes it a useful approach on unfamiliar waters and during difficult conditions.
A floating line is useful for shallow work, an intermediate line covers the upper layers steadily, while sinking lines allow flies to reach deeper fish. The objective is not to use the fastest-sinking line available, but to select a line that keeps the flies in the zone where trout are feeding.
Lure fishing is usually practised with one or two flies where fishery rules allow. A heavier point fly can help the team reach depth, while a lighter fly on a dropper provides additional movement higher in the water. On heavily fished waters or clear conditions, smaller and more subdued lures can often outfish large, bright patterns.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we see lure fishing as a practical searching method rather than simply a way to fish brightly coloured flies. The objective is to cover the water efficiently, establish the depth of the fish and then refine the retrieve. Once you find the level and pace that trout want, lure fishing can be one of the most productive methods on a stillwater.