Top 5 of 2016 – Biggest and Best Brown Trout on Streamers

Big Predatory Brown Trout from 2016

Spruce Creek is full of big meat-eating brown trout. The best way to target big predatory trout is to offer up a large irresistible streamer patter. At low-light conditions, early spring, or in turbid water, streamer fishing is often the most effective way to catch aggressive & opportunistic trout. Here’s a look at some of the biggest and baddest streamer-eating brown trout from the 2016 season on Spruce Creek…

5. Jamie’s 22″ Buck

As you can see in the background, the water conditions on this May day were prime for throwing large streamers – i.e. high and murky. Smaller fish expose themselves in these conditions as they take advantage of the higher water to move around the creek in search of food. The big fish pounce on the feeding opportunity and expose themselves to the skilled streamer angler. These murky conditions are perfect for catching the best brown trout on streamers. Nice catch, Jamie!

4. “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”

The baddest (fattest) brown in the whole damn town – this 23″ monster was nicely-tucked underneath an undercut bank on Spruce Creek. Judging by the size of his gut, I’m sure that this fish was full of dace and smaller brown trout.

3. Ken’s Cascade Pool Monster

This wild beauty took Ken’s self-tied streamer pattern, and was one of many trout to strike in the pool behind Ken. Although the water was fairly clear, the early-spring conditions provided great streamer fishing on Spruce Creek this April day. In 2016, this was one of our best brown trout on streamers.

2. Gina’s 6am Catch

What a colorful fish! This gorgeous brown trout was the first of several big fish on this October morning – before her morning coffee Gina had already landed a trophy brown within sight of our lodge! Most of these bigger brown trout are very territorial creatures. Ernest Schwiebert theorized that big browns are just as likely to strike a streamer for territorial reasons as they are out of hunger. When targeting territorial fish, sometimes taking a few extra casts in a pool is well worth it!

 

1. Early Morning Brown Trout

 

Absolutely beautiful! Another vividly-colored trout from Spruce Creek, this trout pursued the streamer like a mako shark, creating a wake across the stream as it darted forward. Dawn is often the most productive time of day for streamers since the big predatory trout are nocturnal feeders. Before the sun begins to rise, the predatory trout are still in their active feeding modes. The old adage about the early bird getting the worm rings true here.

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Happy New Year Everyone! If you’re thinking about fishing Spruce Creek in 2017, now is a great time to book your trip and catch some of the best brown trout on streamers! Our 2017 schedule is already filling up, so give us a call at 607-643-1415, head over to our Spruce Creek webpage, or sign up below!