Dapper Don: Stalking large browns with a long rod

Fly Fisherman has a great story about a true trout stalker named Don, who, with his 20-foot noodle, daps for trout all through the glory zone in western Montana and Idaho.

Even if you doubt you'll ever try that technique, check the article out if you'd like inspiration on how to move to a more sight-fishing, patience oriented trout approach.

I'm in awe of how he's rebuilt his approach around patience, from gear to the cycle of his day (he often comes to a spot twice a day, to pre-scout in high light and fish in low light).

This is such a great value to apply to any outdoor pursuit, especially the appreciation of large brown trout. Check out this great diagram:

This illustration is a great example of how to break down an eddy situation. The trick is figuring out where the large fish are jockeying for position.

On populated rivers, a large trout lies by a log or rock close to an edge, undercut bank, or overhead shelter where, if alarmed, it can dart into deeper water to hide. A dominant trout can feed in this channel with security, knowing that anything with drag spells danger. The main feeding channel is marked in yellow, and if the trout is feeding at position (A), the prime fishing position is at (X). Kneel (behind high grass cover) with a long dapping rod and a 4- to 6-foot leader and a 4- to 12-inch tippet, and dap with only the dry on the water. Fish up-current and down-current, and get a 2- to 30-foot drag-free presentation to the fish. If the trout is feeding in the (B) position, kneel at (Y) to get a perfect drag-free dapping drift in the main feeding channel. Unless you dap the fly (instead of using a conventional cast), you cannot get a drag-free drift. The main feeding channel fluctuates between the main current channel and the backwash current channel. If you cast directly into the main current you will get fast (and immediate) drag. If you cast into the backwash current you will get slow drag. And if you parachute-cast down into both currents, your fly drifts into, and across, both currents, and it drags. Dapping is the answer. If your presentation is perfect (drag free) and you have not spooked the trout on your approach, you should hook 9 out of 10 large trout on the first presentation. (Every presentation thereafter reduces your chances.) If you get a refusal, allow your fly to drift as far below the trout as possible, then pull the fly toward the main current as you pick up. (Don't pop the fly straight up or wave the rod tip over the fish. If you move the thin rod tip slowly over the fish it will not spook him.) Then make a second dapping presentation. You should check each pool carefully to determine the trout's prime feeding lie and your best dapping position. Presentations differ for each pool and each feeding lie. This provides the visual challenge.