The Hush-Hush Guide to Fly Fishing: Fishing Redds | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast and Blog

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Gather round! Today I'll unlock the sacred mystery of how to effectively fish directly on brown trout redds. For the uninitiated, redds are those super attractive gravel pits in streams that trout fuss over by clearing them with their tails. Yes, those! They aren’t just doing aquatic gardening, they’re actually dropping their future generations right there. Yep...laying eggs and fighting for dominance.  The ideal hunting grounds for a confident angler ready to slay!  Leave the treble hooks and lures at home...you don't need them!

How to Fly Fishing for Trout on Redds

Step 1: Spot the Spawning Beds


First, you’ll need eagle eyes. The best redds sparkle under the autumn sun, practically screaming, “Fish here for guaranteed success!” They're usually found in the most inconvenient places, forcing you to navigate the slipperiest rocks and strongest currents. After all, the best treasures are always hidden behind perilous paths.

Step 2: The Dance of Disturbance


Next, perfect your "redd dance." This involves wading directly into the heart of these spawning beds and performing a subtle shuffle. This dance is rumored to attract every fish within a ten-mile radius because, as you know, fish love scrambled eggs!

Step 3: Redd Rigging

Fly Fishing on Redds


For your gear, ordinary flies just won’t do. You need the special, super-secret redd flies—those that look exactly like eggs to blend in with the scenic underwater decor and protein menu. The key is subtlety and blending into the environment as much as possible with camouflage boots but using a 6MM plastic beat with a thin wired but barbed hook.

Step 4: The Art of the 'Catch'


Now, with everything in place, you're ready to disrupt—em, "catch"—fish. Cast your line hard and fast so your egg gets down quickly! Try to nail the redd dead center so the magic happens. Don't mind the sideways glances from other anglers they just want your spot and to see your special fly pattern. If they ask...just say it's your indicator. 

Conclusion: The Ethical Angler’s Reward


After you’ve successfully mastered these steps, you'll be rewarded with... absolutely nothing. Why? Because this is a horrendous idea!

Just Kidding—Stay off the Redds!

Honestly, the only thing you’ll catch with this method is a boatload of bad karma and maybe a fine from your local fish and wildlife officer. Brown trout redds are crucial for the reproduction of the species, and disturbing them can have serious ecological impacts. So, seriously, every fall fishing season, let’s show some respect for our finned friends and give their future a chance. Stay clear of the redds, enjoy the true sport of fishing responsibly, and help preserve the brown trout populations for generations to come.

For more responsible fishing tips and a good laugh or two, keep following the blog. Remember, conservation is key—let’s keep our fishing tales heroic, not villainous!

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Christian Bacasa, Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

By Christian Bacasa
Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
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