My local fishery has just introduced some very large brownies to the lake (10-16lb) and I would like to ask, how would you go about specifically targeting these fish? I think they will go straight into a deep hole on the lake with depths up to 30 feet. The rest of the fishery is quite shallow but from catching the browns before on the lake the majority always come from this hole.

Would it be best to fish deep and slow, how about flies? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Aaah my favourite subject, big brownies.! Welshy, i've been very lucky over the years and have bagged well over 50 double figure brownies. almost all have come to the same tactic.

Firstly, find out the likely spot. it looks as though you know where they are, but if you can't see them, look for cover, overhanging trees, small bays, etc etc. Once you've found a likely spot, don't give up and go rainbow bashing. stick with it.

Almost all my big browns have come on large marabou tailed lures. you should heavily weight the head end (only) and put a long tail on the flee (up to 2 inches isn't over the top if allowed at your fishery) best colours are black, light green, and white, probably in that order or maybe white second. cast out and let the fly sink. an intermediate will be perfect. retrieve the fly fairly quickly in jerky motions so that the weighted head sinks and rises causing the tail to pulse.

If you can see the fish, cast behind it, and retrieve over its shoulder so the fly appears to come from nowhere. you will not believe the chases you can get!

Small flies do also work, but in my opinion, the bigger flies are best for reasonably freshly stocked fish.

A secret hint here... IF allowed, and IF you're not too much of a purist, make one or two flies out of gold maraglit. the big browns cannot resist it, but it's not a method for the purist....

Good luck, there's nothing like a big brown emerging from the depths!

Alex

Thanks for the tips Alex, although I have never heard of the gold maraglit though? Any pics?

Do you find any particular time of year they are more active? And as these browns are likely to be much more aggressive what breaking strain do you fish with as a minimum rule?

Thanks
Chris

Gold Maraglit is like xmas tree tinsel

TO be fair, they're reasonably active year round, but forget it when the sun gets too hot. morning is best for me, until about 10 am. They're not typically any more agressive than the rainbows although you do need a hefty leader to cast the flies.. I usually use Fulling mill 7lb flouro which you could tow the QM2 with

Oh. and one other thing, if you didn't already know it, is that browns are much more territorial than rainbows. sure tehy move about, but once one has found its 'holt' that's where it will stay. if you can see the fish, target those that are in midwater and that are moving in a slow, deliberate fashion. ignore those that are tight to the lake bed, of that swimming too fast.

---------- Post added at 01:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------

Which fishery, btw?

These are gormless stockfish !

So fish them as if they are !

They may like it sinking like what pellets do !

have fun

Steve P

Lol......

I think i know the place you mean, ill be heading there sunday....

as recent stockies they've got enough bodymass to sulk at the bottom for a while, but i think it depends on the education that they can get from the more resident fishies.....
orrible lures might just do the trick, might have the effect of putting off the more resident fish, leaving the bl*b for the biggie....or maybe the biggie will copy the resident behaviour and refuse to take.

that'll be my first tactic.....next comes apps bloodworms and damsels, and grhe nymphs....or stalking bugs if i spot one on my lurking....

If that doesnt work then ill switch to dries and take any commers...

cant wait.

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bit harsh there Steve, i would have expected more from someone with your all round experience.

The fishery is Garnffrwd Alex, tucked away in the hills not far from Crosshands in Carmarthenshire. A cracking fishery, the owner Jamie has done alot and the fishing is fantastic. If you haven't been take a look;

Garnffrwd Country Holidays

The lake is crystal clear, great for stalking and great fighting fish

Chris