If you’re an angler, and in particular like fly fishing, understanding the feeding habits of trout is essential to catch them. Trout are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of prey. Knowing what they eat, when they eat, and how they eat can give you an edge over your fellow anglers.
Trout feeding habits can vary depending on the species, location, and time of year. However, there are some general patterns that can help you predict their behavior. They tend to feed more actively during low light conditions, such as early mornings and late afternoons and are less active during hot summer days.
Trout are also selective feeders, preferring certain types of prey over others. Understanding their diet can help you choose the right bait, lure or fly. While they primarily feed on insects, they also consume small fish, crustaceans, and even small mammals. In this article, we will explore the feeding habits of trout in more detail to help you become a more successful angler and enjoy fly fishing.
Trout Feeding Behavior – An Understanding For Fly Fishing
Trout are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of food sources depending on availability and their stage of development. Understanding the types of food they eat and the factors that affect their feeding habits can help you become a more successful angler.
Types of Trout Food
Trout feed on a variety of food sources including insects, crustaceans, fish, and even small mammals. Insects are the most common food source for trout and include mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges. Crustaceans such as scuds and crayfish are also an important food source, especially for larger trout. Small fish and mammals are eaten less frequently, but can still be important food sources for larger trout. Fly fishing allows you to imitate all of these. Check out this video of big browns feasting on mice
Factors Affecting Trout Feeding Habits
Several factors can affect trout feeding habits, including water temperature, time of day, and water clarity. Trout are cold-blooded and their metabolism increases as water temperature rises, making them more active and hungry. They are also more likely to feed during low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening, when they feel less vulnerable to predators. Water clarity can also affect trout feeding behavior, as they are more likely to feed in clear water where they can see their prey.
Another factor that can affect trout feeding behavior is the availability of food sources. Trout will feed on the most abundant and easily accessible food source, so it’s important to match your fly or bait to the type of food that is present in the water. If you’re not sure what the trout are feeding on, try turning over rocks in the stream or lake to see what types of insects are present. Trial and error is the name of the game in fly fishing.
Trout Feeding Habits by Season – Fly Fishing Year Round
Spring
In the spring, trout feeding habits shift as the water temperature increases. As the water warms up, trout become more active and start feeding on aquatic insects and larvae. You can use nymphs and emergers to catch trout during this time. In addition, keep an eye out for hatches of mayflies and caddisflies, as these are important food sources for trout in the spring.
During the spring, trout tend to feed more actively in the early morning and late afternoon. This is because the water temperature is cooler during these times, making it more comfortable for the trout to feed. As the day warms up, trout become less active and seek out cooler, deeper water.
Summer
During the summer, trout feeding habits change again as the water temperature continues to rise. Trout become more sluggish and tend to feed less frequently. They also seek out cooler, deeper water to escape the heat.
To catch trout in the summer, try fly fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler. You can also use streamers and other baitfish imitations to entice trout to bite. Keep in mind that trout may be more selective about the types of food they eat during the summer, so it’s important to match the hatch as closely as possible.
Fall
In the fall, trout feeding habits change again as the water temperature begins to cool down. Trout become more active and start feeding more frequently. They also start to prepare for the winter months by feeding on larger prey items to build up their energy reserves.
You can use a variety of flies to catch trout in the fall, including streamers, nymphs, and dry flies. Keep an eye out for hatches of blue-winged olives and midges, which are common in the fall.
Winter
In the winter, trout feeding habits change once again as the water temperature drops. Trout become less active and tend to feed less frequently. They also seek out warmer, deeper water to escape the cold.
To catch trout in the winter, try fly fishing during the warmest part of the day when the water temperature is highest. You can also use small midge patterns and other small flies to entice trout to bite. Keep in mind that trout may be more selective about the types of food they eat during the winter, so it’s important to match the hatch as closely as possible.
Trout Feeding Habits by Time of Day
Morning
In the morning, trout are usually found near the surface of the water. They are actively feeding on insects and other small aquatic creatures. During this time, you should focus on using dry flies or small nymphs that mimic the insects in the area.
Trout are more likely to be found in shallow water in the morning, so be sure to cast your line in those areas. You should also pay attention to the speed of the water. Trout like to feed in areas with moderate to slow-moving water.
Afternoon
As the day progresses, the sun gets higher in the sky and the water temperature rises. During this time, trout tend to move to deeper water to stay cool. You may need to use sinking lines or weighted flies to reach them.
Trout in the afternoon are more likely to be feeding on larger insects, such as mayflies and caddisflies. You should use larger nymphs or dry flies that mimic these insects.
Evening
In the evening, trout become more active again as the temperature cools down. They may move back to shallower water to feed. This is a good time to use dry flies or streamers that mimic small fish.
Trout may also be feeding on emerging insects in the evening. You should pay attention to the surface of the water to see if you can spot any hatches. If you do, switch to a fly that mimics the emerging insect.
Night
Trout are less active at night, but they still feed. They are more likely to be found in deeper water during this time. You should use large streamers or nymphs that mimic baitfish or crayfish.
Trout may also be feeding on insects that are attracted to lights at night. If you are fishing near a dock or other structure with lights, you may be able to catch trout using a fly that mimics the insects attracted to the light.
Trout Feeding Habits by Water Type
Streams
In streams, trout feed on aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, and small fish. They typically feed in riffles and runs where the current is faster and oxygen levels are higher. Look for trout in areas with underwater rocks and vegetation where insects and other food sources are abundant. Use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to imitate the trout’s natural food sources.
Rivers
In rivers, trout feed on a variety of insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. They also eat small fish and crustaceans. Look for trout in deep pools, eddies, and riffles where the water is cooler and oxygen levels are higher. Use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to imitate the trout’s natural food sources.
Lakes
In lakes, trout feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They typically feed in shallow water near the shore in the early morning and late evening. Look for areas with underwater structure, such as weed beds and drop-offs, where food sources are abundant. Use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to imitate the trout’s natural food sources.
Trout Feeding Habits by Habitat
Trout feeding habits vary depending on the habitat they are in. Understanding the feeding habits of trout in different habitats can help you catch more fish. Here are some of the feeding habits of trout in different habitats:
Deep Water
Trout in deep water tend to feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. They will often stay close to the bottom where they can find food. Some common prey for trout in deep water include sculpin, crayfish, and midges. To catch trout in deep water, try using bait or lures that mimic these prey items.
Shallow Water
Trout in shallow water tend to feed on insects and other small prey items. They will often be found near the surface of the water, especially during feeding times. Some common prey for trout in shallow water include mayflies, caddisflies, and small minnows. To catch trout in shallow water, try using dry flies or small lures that mimic these prey items.
Underwater Structures
Trout that live near underwater structures, such as rocks or fallen trees, tend to feed on prey that lives in or around those structures. Some common prey for trout in these areas include stoneflies, sculpin, and crayfish. To catch trout near underwater structures, try using bait or lures that mimic these prey items and fish near the structure.
Conclusion
You’ve learned a lot about the feeding habits of trout. None of this is gospel, but it should serve as a good guide particularly if you are just starting out. You may also find that winter techniques and flies work in the summer and it’s never a bad thing to try throwing something they aren’t seeing regularly if you fish in a heavily pressured area. In the end, just get out there and try lots of things. Eventually, you’ll find what they want.
