Spring Browns 2009 by Matt Baker
It’s a calling that stirs us from the last point of quail season all the way through spring crappie season. We gear up with the latest tackle in hopes of an opportunity at a brown trout of a lifetime. All of us are ready to go but nature holds the cards and we wait until conditions are perfect for a trophy hunt.
Arizona is blessed with some of the most scenic and unique trout habitat found anywhere. From deep canyon streams to secluded stillwaters, Arizona rivals many other destinations in its ability to produce quality brown trout.
This spring, the Desert Sportsman team had many trips to destinations throughout our state. Some trips were close to home while others ventured into waters that rarely see any angling pressure. The hunt for trophy browns continues to provide a challenge that can test the wit and will of even the most seasoned angler.
Caught on a varied selection of flies, the big browns seem to key in on presentation rather than specific patterns. Throughout the spring season fish were caught on a variety of flies from midges to heavy streamers and just about everything in between.
The spring season also offers up unique opportunities on Arizona’s high country lakes. Sight fishing the lakes can be an incredible experience as fish can be seen cruising the banks looking for an easy meal. Simple steamer patterns are very effective during the early season as the fish display their predatory traits.
In addition to targeting a few stillwaters, all of us spent considerable time plying the smaller streams in search of trophies. Most of the streams are no bigger than five or ten feet across yet they continue to offer up fish of memorable proportions. Some of the waters have recognized names while others enjoy relative obscurity.
While browns of this quality can be caught across our nation and in many other countries, there’s something special about catching them in Arizona.
Arizona’s big predatory browns are so solitary in nature that they seldom offer themselves to anglers. It seems as though every season a few are willing to expose their weaknesses and take a fly. The best way to reward a trophy brown is to take a quick photo and release the fish as fast as possible to ensure a vibrant existence for the remainder of its life.
Most of us prefer to fish with others who enjoy the trophy hunt. We share shots at different pieces of water and enjoy watching one another fish. Net skills are important, no one wants to lose a fish from a failed net job. Even when we’re separated the yell of the word “NET” signifies a quick call to action to swiftly find your buddy and give your best effort to bring the trophy to hand.
The smallest water often yields the largest fish. The fish in the photo below was caught in a well known rim country stream. Once a fish grows large enough to eat stocked rainbow trout their growth potential becomes exponential. This fish was hooked in a riffle no more that 12 inches deep.
The memories created on these excursions will not be soon forgotten. Sessions around the campfire often include the top plays of the day and a discussion or two about the next day’s gameplan. As the oak burns down and the stories grow thin everyone has the same thought: When can we get out here again?
