One of the greatest thrills for me in fishing for trout is that electrifying moment when a fish is spotted, especially if it is a large one, and still unaware of my presence. Few sights can reduce me to a shaking jelly so quickly.

Despite the excitement generated by the sighting of a veritable monster slurping large terrestrials off the surface or weaving from side to side in a fast run as it intercepts nymphs, the fisherman must let the initial excitement and nervousness subside before attempting to enter the fray. A sudden hasty movement or heavy footfall could make all the difference between a successful day and a totally blank one.

Once a fish is spotted, move quickly but with stealth. Excessive procrastination is not wise as trout are contrary creatures and could cease feeding quite without warning. If the fish is feeding actively, go to it. be warned though - few of nature’s creatures are as well endowed with survival equipment as rainbow and brown trout.

An exerpt from “Stalking Trout” by Les Hill and Graeme Marshall. Halcyon 1985.