Catching My First Brown Trout: A Memory to Last a Lifetime

Catching my first brown trout was one of the more rewarding experiences I’ve had fishing. It wasn’t just about the fish but it was about the experience and the patience that finally paid off.

I’ve spent countless hours on the river since starting this inquiry project, and as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, it hasn’t been the most successful journey. My excitement for steelhead fishing had started to wear thin and waking up early every weekend only to not catch anything was beginning to feel pointless. For my final trip of this project, I decided to switch things up and target brown trout instead. While I had really hoped to catch a steelhead, which are one of the more challenging and prized fish due to their size and strength, I had to be realistic. With rising water levels and less-than-ideal conditions, the odds weren’t in my favour. Looking back, I’m glad I made the change. It allowed me to end this journey on a positive note, proving that sometimes, a shift in perspective makes all the difference.

The Setup

I used a 4x 9lb leader (4x is a lighter line, which helps sink the nymph/hook quicker) I then tied about 2ft of 6x 4lb tippet to the end of the leader and was using a nymph (beside is a picture of what I caught the fish on)

The Moment of Truth

Minutes passed, then hours, I changed flies, went to different spots, still nothing. Just as doubt started creeping in, I felt my line tug. My heart jumped and the line went tight, and suddenly, I was battling a fish.

This fish put up a good fight especially for it’s size, it probably took a good 5 minutes. Since I had a heavier rod the fight was probably a little easier opposed to a lighter rod but it was still good. I kept letting the fish run because I didn’t want the line to break off. As I carefully reeled it in, I caught a glimpse of the fish and quickly saw that it was a brown trout. Catching my first brown trout wasn’t just about the fish; it was about persistence, patience, and the pure joy of being out in nature. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best things come when you least expect them—but only if you’re willing to put in the effort.