Stream Specks
Steve Jojos

Finding Brook Trout in small streams and creeks is not all that difficult. Catching them is another matter. After the high waters of the spring run-off subside, and the streams clear up, brook trout go on the feed. Feeding brookies position themselves in fast flowing water stationing behind rocks, boulders or logs, positioning in front of or behind these obstructions which deflect current giving fish a resting spot as well as cover. From here fish will dart out and grab anything that looks edible, and I mean anything. I have cleaned some brookies checking their stomach contents and have found gravel, wood, weeds, snails along with what you would think they would eat including beetles, bees, crayfish, centipedes, minnows, fly larvae, worms, grasshoppers, crickets, and believe it or not small snakes and rodents. Yah you heard me right, if their big enough. By the way, the speck that ate the snake was 18" and the one I found the mouse in was 16".

These fish are a far cry from the world record of 14.5 lbs. A 16" speck in a stream is still a big trout in most areas of Canada. So now you are thinking to yourself, all you have to do is throw a bare hook and catch these fish. But as I said earlier, it's not that simple being that these fish live in clear and relatively shallow water and are preyed upon in their early stages of life by water beetles and kingfishers, and later in life by herons and other animals. What you just read makes brook trout grow to be wary and spook easily when something does not look right. The trick to catching them is definitely in the way you deliver your presentation. When wearing waders, get into the stream only when you have to, example; to fish from the lower bank, cross well downstream of the water you're going to fish. Streams almost always have a high bank where current is forced into it and a low bank on the opposite side. You want to fish from the low bank to keep your profile from spooking fish.

Work your way upstream as most fish will be facing the current. This way you will be approaching from behind the fish making it less likely for them to spot you. This might sound funny but camouflage clothing really helps hide your profile while sneaking up on them. Some of my biggest specks have come from slower in deep pools, undercut banks, overhanging trees and especially from log jams. In faster moving water you can get away with more repeated casts to your target. Don't cast directly to where you think a fish might be, cast beyond your target and let the current drift your bait down to the fish's position. This will give you the most natural presentation. In the slower moving and sometimes still water of pools, brookies will have more time as well as being able to see better. Make each cast count as it won't be long before they grow suspicious of your lure. Even if all goes right after catching a couple of fish the remaining trout will spook after seeing their buddies splashing and putting up a fight.