Understanding Fish Behaviour to Improve Your Catch

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Most anglers spend years chasing big fish without ever truly understanding how they think. What if the key to catching them wasn’t in your gear or technique but in learning where they rest, how they move, and when they feed? It turns out much of what we’ve been taught about fish behaviour is wrong, and that’s exactly what today’s insight from renowned guide, author, and innovative fly tier Kelly Galloup sets out to fix. 

Rethinking Where Fish Live

Many anglers assume that big fish hide in deep water or stick to structures like logs and undercut banks. While that might be true for smaller, juvenile fish, larger trout, especially brown trout, tend to prefer shallow, soft water. In fact, trophy-sized fish rest in areas with little structure, like the inside bends of rivers, where the water is calmer.

These areas give fish an easy place to hold without expending too much energy. They don’t need to constantly fight the current, making it a perfect resting spot during the day. At night, however, things change. Big fish move out of these resting zones and migrate to feeding areas, typically moving upstream to target smaller fish, aquatic life, and other prey.

Why Fish Behaviour Matters

Understanding that fish are constantly on the move means you can stop wasting time fishing empty water. If you’re casting into areas that look promising but aren’t holding fish, you’re missing opportunities. Instead, focus on softer water during the day for resting fish and target areas abundant in aquatic life at night when they’re actively feeding.

Big fish, such as brown trout, are lazy by nature. They’ll sit where the current doesn’t push them around, conserving energy until it’s time to feed. Observing these behaviours in different conditions can help you figure out where to cast and when to adjust your strategy.

The Importance of Observation

Spending time watching fish behaviour, both in the water and from the bank, can teach you a lot. For example, large fish often gather around parallel color changes, where light-colored sand meets darker gravel. These spots create natural breaks in the water, making them ideal ambush points for feeding.

While it might be tempting to fish in the same spots every time, the reality is that fish move. They follow food sources, respond to water temperatures, and adjust based on the time of day. That’s why successful anglers take the time to observe the water before they cast.

Fishing Smarter, Not Harder

The key takeaway is that many anglers default to familiar patterns, but catching big fish requires more than routine. It means learning to read the water and understanding why fish behave the way they do. Focus on areas where fish can rest during the day and move to feeding zones at dusk and dawn. And don’t be afraid to experiment. If everyone else is fishing the same spots, try something different. Observe the water, target softer areas, and focus on times when fish are most active.

Ready to Catch Bigger Fish?

If you want to take your streamer fishing skills to the next level, don’t miss Kelly Galloup’s Streamer Fishing Masterclass. With over 50 years of experience, Kelly covers everything from when and where to fish streamers to the techniques that trigger big strikes. Whether you’re new to streamers or ready to refine your approach, this course is packed with practical tips to help you catch more fish. Not an Anchored Outdoors member yet? Sign up today to unlock this course and gain access to even more expert resources!

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Anchored Outdoors

Anchored Outdoors is an ever-growing network of fly fishing experts who’ve been brought together by podcaster and fellow outdoorswoman, April Vokey.

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