Highland Sea Trout
Sea Trout are sea-run brown trout. They live in the estuary and near-coastal waters, feeding on baitfish and crustaceans. When mature, they migrate into the streams to spawn. Like Atlantic Salmon, sea trout do not die after spawning, and so may spawn several times. And also like the salmon, the sea trout are silver bright when they first come into the streams. Their dark spots clearly identify them as sea-run browns.
The sea trout are silver bright as they enter the rivers.
The black spots on the fish are a certain sign that they are sea trout
There are several streams on the Inverpolly Estate that are ascended by the sea trout. The Garvie is s swift little water where a single-handed rod is easily used. Anglers visiting this stream can rent the nearby cottage, which suits four people very well. Fly fishers normally use a 7-weight rod to handle the very tough, hard fighting trout. Many use a 12 to 14 foot leader ending in 2X. Even with such a strong tippet, the fish are so powerful, and strike with such determination, that they often tear the fly off on the take. The flies are brightly colored in blues, greens, and yellows, and they are small, sizes 10 to 14, because the fish are very spooky in the bright light of day.
Anglers fishing the Garvie stay in a nearby cottage.
The best fishing is at the river mouth where the fish congregate before heading upstream to spawn.
A great selection of sea trout flies.
Small flies are the norm when fishing for sea trout.
Theo finds that a Teal Blue and Silver is especially attractive to the fish, and on very bright days will often fish a Green Highlander.
A Teal Blue and Silver is a great fly for sea trout.
Since the fish move about near the mouth of the stream before entering, fly rodders often work the shoreline with success.
Working the shore line near the river mouth can be a successful strategy.
Fish this size fight with true zeal.
When the fish start upstream, they often move into the shelter of the boulders at the mouth of the stream. It’s a good place to find them, and they fight fiercely in the swift water. Theo truly enjoys catching sea trout and expresses his affection for them in many ways, including a kiss or two.
Fishing the rocks at the river's mouth is an excellent strategy.
A very nice sea trout from the rocky reach at the river's mouth.
Hello sweetheart
Many of the fish are released, but a few of the smaller ones are kept for the dinner table. The meat is a dark reddish color, and very flavorful. Served with a few vegetables they make a great meal at the end of long day of fishing.
Most of the trout are released, but a few smaller ones are kept for the table.
The flesh of the sea trout is a lovely red color and tastes very fine.
Served with cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes, sea trout make a wonderful meal.