Fishing In The Dark

Fishing In The Dark

Fishing in the Dark

Fly fishing can be productive at night. Trout can cope with low light conditions well and continue to feed on surprisingly small things after dark. Trout probably do a great deal of feeding after dark.

Both dry fly and wet fly techniques can work at night. You need to be proficient at casting to fly fish at night or you may find it frustrating. You will be fishing by feel rather than sight. Use a short manageable line and avoid any long casts. Trout come close in the dark so there is no need for long casts.

Using moonlight is an advantage. Facing the last light of sunset in the evening sky on a clear night can prolong fishing for hours and it helps locate rising fish. Some anglers believe fishing under a full moon is a waste of time; this is far from the truth.

Inflows, outflows and prominent points are good places for night fishing on lakes. River night fishing is practical on slower pools and broadwaters. A place where water flows into or out of a pool is a good spot at night.

Strong contrasting colours in large wet flies like mixtures of black, white and silver work best at night. Cast them out simply and retrieve slowly. Find a spot before it gets dark and get a feel for the territory. When fishing at night you are best to stay put and let the fish come to you.