Trout Spey School // Part 2 - Presentation Tips and Strategies

Are you tired of the same old fishing routine? Looking for a way to spice up your angling adventures? Well, look no further! We've got the perfect solution for you: trout spey rods and tackle. In this guide, we'll share all our favorite tips and tactics for hooking fish using trout spey gear on western rivers. Get ready to dive into a DIY-friendly, fun, and alternative fishing technique that will have you reeling in the fun!

What's the Deal with Trout Spey?

First things first, let's talk about what trout spey is all about. Trout spey is a technique that combines elements of traditional fly fishing and spey casting. It involves using shorter, lighter spey rods (typically between 10 and 12 feet) to cast streamers with ease. The flies we use are streamers, most often lightly weighted, presented using a sink tip Skagit style line system. This setup allows for effortless casting and offers a refreshing change from the complicated nymph rigs.

Why Should You Give It a Go?

Now, you might be wondering, why should you bother with trout spey when you're already comfortable with your current fishing setup? Well, let us tell you, there are plenty of reasons to give it a go.

Firstly, trout spey allows you to cover more water. With longer casts and the ability to swing your flies across the river, you can explore new fishing spots and reach areas that were previously out of your reach. It's like having a secret fishing superpower. 

Secondly, trout spey is incredibly versatile. Whether you're targeting trout, steelhead, or even smallmouth bass, this technique can be adapted to suit a variety of species and fishing conditions. It's like having a Swiss Army knife in your tackle box.

Lastly, trout spey is just plain fun! There's something incredibly satisfying about executing a perfect spey cast and feeling your streamer navigate all of the various currents. It's like a ballet performance, but with fish as the audience and you don't have to dress up all fancy like.

Tips and Tactics for Success

Now that you're convinced to give trout spey a try, let's dive into some tips and tactics to help you succeed on the water:

1. Choose the right rod: Opt for a trout spey rod that suits your casting style and the size of the fish you're targeting and flies you are using. Small flies, light rod. Big flies? Look for a 4-5 weight spey 11' or more.

2. Master the spey cast: Spend some time practicing your spey casting technique. It may feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, you'll be casting like a pro in no time. It's like learning a new dance move but not as awkward. Read this recent blog article and video. 

3. Experiment with different flies: Don't be afraid to mix it up and try different streamer patterns. Fish can be picky eaters, so having a variety of flies in your arsenal will increase your chances of success. While most streamers will be in the olive, black, brown, category - try slight variations in weight.

4. Vary your swing angle: Play around with different angles to entice the fish. Sometimes a slow, steady swing works best, while other times a quick strip or erratic twitch will trigger a strike. It's like speaking the language of fish.

5. Explore different rivers: Trout spey opens up a whole new world of fishing opportunities. Don't limit yourself to just one river—venture out and explore different waters. It's like embarking on an exciting road trip and you don't need a robust gear set. A few sink tips and a few flies will do it.

So, there you have it! A beginner's guide to catching fish with trout spey rods and tackle. We hope this guide has inspired you to give this fun and alternative fishing technique a try. Remember, fishing is all about having fun and enjoying the great outdoors. So grab your trout spey gear, hit the rivers, and get ready for an angling adventure like no other.