Most trout streams have locations where the water has undercut the banks and vegetation has grown over top. These undercut banks often provide constant protection and habitat for some of the largest trout in the system. We are here to show you just where to find trout at these undercut bank locations, and just how you should present your flies in these situations.
For more help with fly presentation and other fly fishing skills, please visit our other helpful online resources. “ORVIS – Dry Fly Tactics – Fishing Undercut Banks” is a video presented by The Orvis Company. In this video, expert fly anglers Dave and Amelia Jensen share their knowledge on locating and fishing for trout in undercut bank areas. These undercut banks, found in most trout streams, provide essential habitat and protection for larger trout. The Jensens demonstrate the proper techniques for presenting flies in these situations, helping fly fishers improve their fly presentation skills. For additional guidance on fly fishing skills, Orvis offers a variety of helpful online resources.
If you regularly fly fish small-to-medium-sized trout streams, you are likely to come across undercut banks. Due to the winding nature of many small rivers, these areas experience seasonal energy through high flow rates during spring runoff and heavy rains. This temporary surge acts like a hammer, eroding the soil, shrubs, and trees in the corners where the flow hits. As the flow subsides, the grasses, shrubs, and trees can grow back, creating undersized banks several feet into the original bank. These undercut banks offer prime trout habitat, particularly for big brown trout, with grasses overhanging the water and pockets of deeper water below. By employing the proper casting techniques and using terrestrials and streamers, fly fishers can effectively target and catch trout in these areas.
Finding Trout at Undercut Banks
Undercut banks are a crucial element when it comes to finding trout in rivers and streams. These banks provide shelter, protection, and a prime feeding location for the fish. By understanding the importance of undercut banks, recognizing the characteristics of prime trout habitat, and knowing the role of grass overhanging, you can significantly increase your chances of success when fishing for trout.
Importance of undercut banks
Undercut banks offer trout the ideal combination of cover and easy access to food. These banks are formed when the water erodes the base of the bank, creating an overhang or undercut. This structure provides trout with shelter from predators and strong currents, allowing them to conserve energy. Additionally, the overhanging banks create favorable conditions for aquatic insects and other food sources, making it an ideal feeding location for trout.
Characteristics of prime trout habitat
To effectively find trout at undercut banks, it is essential to understand the characteristics of prime trout habitat. Firstly, look for areas with moderate to fast currents. Trout thrive in these conditions, as the water brings a constant flow of food. Secondly, keep an eye out for deeper pockets or pools adjacent to undercut banks. These deeper areas provide additional protection and serve as resting spots for trout. Finally, look for structures such as rocks, fallen trees, or submerged logs near the undercut banks. These structures create eddies and provide an additional layer of cover for trout.
The role of grass overhanging
Overhanging grasses play a significant role in attracting trout to undercut banks. The grass provides extra cover and creates a micro-environment that fosters insect activity. The grass offers protection to both the trout and the insects, as it shields them from potential predators and direct sunlight. By casting near these overhanging grasses, you increase your chances of enticing trout to strike your bait or fly.
Pockets of deeper water under overhanging grasses
One key feature to look for when locating undercut banks is pockets of deeper water under overhanging grasses. These deeper areas are created by the water constantly undercutting the bank, resulting in a cavity under the grass. Trout are often found in these pockets, as they provide both cover and a food source. The grasses not only provide shelter, but they also attract insects that fall into the water, giving trout an easy meal. When targeting these pockets, make sure to use a presentation technique that allows your bait or fly to mimic the natural movement of insects falling from the grass into the water.
Presentation Techniques
When fishing for trout at undercut banks, employing the right presentation techniques is crucial. By understanding the best casting distance, utilizing terrestrials and streamers, and casting in open areas, you can optimize your chances of success.
The best casting distance
When casting to undercut banks, finding the optimal distance is essential. It is generally recommended to cast slightly upstream or across the current and allow your bait or fly to drift naturally toward the undercut bank. The distance of your cast will depend on the size of the river or stream. In smaller waterways, a shorter cast may be sufficient, while larger rivers may require a longer cast to reach the desired target. Experiment with different distances to find what works best for the specific conditions you are fishing in.
Using terrestrials and streamers
Terrestrial insects, such as beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, are incredibly effective when fishing for trout at undercut banks. These insects often fall into the water from the overhanging grasses, creating an easy and abundant food source for trout. Utilizing imitations of these terrestrial insects, such as beetle or ant patterns, can entice trout to strike your bait. Additionally, streamers can be another effective presentation technique when targeting larger trout. Streamers that mimic small fish or other prey items can trigger aggressive strikes from trout hiding under undercut banks.
Casting in open areas
While undercut banks provide excellent hiding spots for trout, it’s important not to overlook open areas. Trout will also venture out into the open to feed, especially during periods of increased insect activity. Casting in open areas can offer opportunities to entice trout that are actively searching for food. By presenting your bait or fly in these open areas, you can increase your chances of enticing strikes from trout that may not be hiding under undercut banks.
Using Black Beetles
When it comes to fishing for trout at undercut banks, black beetles have proven to be highly effective bait. Big browns, in particular, have a preference for these insects, making them an excellent choice to target trophy-sized trout.
Preference of big browns for black beetles
Big brown trout have shown a strong preference for black beetles as a food source. This preference can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, black beetles are known to be abundant in areas with overhanging grasses, where undercut banks are often found. As a result, the trout have plenty of opportunities to feed on these insects. Secondly, black beetles are relatively easy for trout to spot against the water’s surface, making them an enticing target. The combination of availability and visibility makes black beetles an attractive meal for big brown trout.
Why black beetles are effective on undercut banks
Using black beetles as bait or as the basis for a fly pattern can be highly effective when targeting trout at undercut banks. The dark color and shape of the beetle imitations make them easily identifiable to trout, even in low light conditions. By presenting these imitations near the overhanging grasses and pockets of deeper water under the undercut banks, you can mimic the natural behavior of black beetles falling into the water. Trout often cannot resist striking these beetle imitations due to their familiarity with the food source. When fishing for trophy-sized trout at undercut banks, be sure to have black beetle imitations in your tackle box.
