Native Brook Trout - Fly Fishing the Appalachians

The wild and wonderful Brook trout is the only true native trout to the East coast, and it's not even technically a trout. The Eastern Brook trout is a species of char. While char are still within the same family as trout, and genetically very similar, the difference is still noticeable.

A small Brook Trout that fell for a Caddis fly imitation

You see, Brook trout have red fins tipped with white lines. They share this trait with their close relatives; the Arctic char and Dolly Varden. Rainbow trout and Brown trout do not have red fins. For several more genealogical differences, Brook trout are different from these two true trout species.

A Rainbow Trout that couldn't resist a terrestrial hopper. Native Brook Trout reside in this same stream

Although Brook trout are not true trout, they are able to readily reside in streams throughout the country that are shared by other different trout species. In most cases, due to Brook trout being a typically smaller fish, they will occupy a niche habitat. Brook trout can most often be found in the headwaters of streams and small pockets when other larger trout are residing in the same stream. When Brook trout are the only fish in a particular piece of water, they can be found in every nook, cranny, and holes.

In the Appalachian mountains, a region that stretches infamously from Maine to Georgia, Brook trout can be found throughout the varying size mountain streams that flow down the mountain range's topography.

Catching these mountain dwelling fish can be both surprisingly easy and challenging. It ultimately depends on the conditions.

Sneaking up on Brook trout is very important as they spook easily. This fish was caught by delicately dropping a fly into a deep hole.

In most instances, Brook trout will be in clear water that is densely surrounded by vegetation. In order to present a fly to them, stealth is essential. I personally like to sneak to the waters edge far below a pocket or hole that I know holds a Brook trout. I will then proceed to stretch my fly rod out away from my body and gently loop cast the fly into the pocket. This takes practice, lots of failed attempts, and experience to effectively master. Master is a strong word though, as I still mess up this cast quite frequently.

The outstretched fly rod allows you to present your fly without spooking Brook trout with the large presence of yourself. Fly Rod used: 7' 6" 3 wt.

Fly choices can vary. Dry flies such as caddises and stimulators, in size 14-10 are my personal favorites. Nymphs such as greenie weenies and pheasant tails also do very well. Streamers like muddler minnows and small zonkers are a great way to draw aggressive chases and strikes.

Native Brook trout fishing in the Appalachians is about as much fun as it gets. The action can be nonstop at times, and the fish, simply stunning. When visiting the Appalachian region of the country, tossing flies in the wilderness would be a wise way to spend an afternoon or morning.

Does it get much better than this? A beautiful red-finned Brook trout is released unharmed into a mountain laurel choked stream.