Monster Browns After Dark​

Chasing multiple species can make you a better overall angler


Fishing for big browns at night is a tradition, if not an addiction, for many savvy anglers. Brown Trout are often referred to as nocturnal, but this is not the case; rather, they are more of a nocturnal feeder. During the day, browns will stay hidden under brush, along cutbacks and under logjams.

Brown Trout will take a variety of flies, bait and lures during the day, but the big boys come out to play at night.

Traditional fly fishing at night can be very productive for big browns, providing you have a fairly good knowledge of fly casting techniques. Fly fishing in near dark or total darkness can be an adventure, complete with tangled line and potential traps wherever you step.

Some of the largest browns are caught during the summer at night. The dark of the moon is especially productive. During the dark of the moon phase, you truly have trouble seeing your hand in front of your face. The use of a flashlight or headlamp with a red lens is a necessity; avoid white light to save your night vision.

Wool Buggers, Zonkers, and Leeches are very productive streamers; recommended sizes are #4s in black, purple, brown, and dark blue.