“Sunny” fly-fishing at Sunnybrook Trout Club
If you live in Northwest Ohio and you have an interest in fly-fishing cold water species, such as Trout and Steelhead- many would tell you to head to Michigan. While I agree that is very sound advice, I would also say they forgot to mention that Ohio has a number of cold water fly-fishing opportunities. For example, the Mad River is technically a spring creek that flows cold for miles and miles. Brian Flechsig, the owner of Mad River Outfitters in Columbus, Ohio has been outfitting folks and guiding them on the Mad River for decades. The State Fish Hatchery in Castalia, Ohio has been stocking several hundred thousand Steelhead smolt in the main Cleveland area rivers for years. The Vermillion River, Rocky, Grand, Chagrin, Conneaut and Ashtabula have put Ohio on the map for Steelhead fishing. And the town of Castalia, with its “blue holes” and (essentially privately owned) Cold Creek, quietly offers several area cold water Trout fisheries that many don’t know about. Along with the State Fish Hatchery, which is open to the public, there is the Castalia Club, Sunnybrook Trout Club and Rockwell Springs Trout Club.
What is Sunnybrook Trout Club? Just south of Sandusky, Ohio, Sunnybrook Trout Club is situated on 130 acres of woodlands and features roughly two miles of legendary Cold Creek flowing through its well-groomed meadows. The stream finds its origins about five miles upstream, deep beneath the ground, where the original Blue Hole sits. Punctuated by the Farrell House, an 1890’s replica of a Southern mansion, the property has plenty to offer. A well-stocked stream for the fly-fisher, various wildlife viewing opportunities, lodging, dining and socializing are some of the things enjoyed by the 250 members (and guests). More information, including membership details or lodging can be found at sunnybrooktroutclub.com and farrellhouselodge.com.
The main Clubhouse stands proud waiting for members and guests
Can you catch fish on “sunny” days? If you ask around, quite a few anglers will tell you they tend to avoid super sunny days or the sunniest part of the fly-fishing day. While I can understand their reasoning (spooky fish, shadows, heck- it might just be too hot to fish!) I have some of my own theories. If you ask me, I think trout enjoy the sun, just like we do. I’m sure it gets hot for them just like it does for us. It’s got to be hard to look into the sun all day. Heck, maybe they even get sunburned! But, what I have found is, trout seem to like to bask in it, especially on late summer/fall and winter days. Many times I see trout recklessly lounging in very shallow water on sunny days. Why do they do this? I have no idea, but here’s what I think: I think the sun actually offers protection. I think the extra light makes the shadows more pronounced and gives them quick warning if prey is coming. I think the sunlight “lights” up insects and other food sources not only perhaps making them easier to see but maybe it even impacts hatch schedules. I am sure the warmer air dries insect wings (like terrestrials) and puts them on the move, which means a higher chance of contact with the water. Lastly, I think trout might feed more on sound during high sun periods. Maybe this is all a bunch of BS, but often, a belief leads to confidence and confidence leads to catching more fish.
With these beliefs in hand, I headed out to Sunnybrook Trout Club on a sunny September day. The grounds were beautiful, the fishing pressure was low and plenty of trout were hiding in the deeper water. But, a handful were “laying on the beach” just as I had thought. The Rainbow pictured was sitting across the stream in several inches of water. He was somewhat stationary, but, was moving ever so slightly side to side to take the odd opportunity that passed by. Since he didn’t appear to be looking up, my thought was to pitch a small Zebra Midge his way and see if he would “hear” it and take action. Job done. The Brown, shown here, was actually patrolling the very bank that I was standing on. Looking into such a bright sun I don’t think he could see me. My first thought was to “bank cast” a small Flashback Beetle down in front of him. To my surprise, he s-l-o-w-l-y rose to it, but, did not take it. To me, when a trout does this, he has told you he will eat something, but a foam beetle with a big fat hook sticking to it just isn’t gonna do the job. I added some extra fine tippet and tied on a small CDC Honey Ant that I figured would sit down better in the surface film. He couldn’t resist. A few other trout were targeted and more of my goofy theories seemed to play out.
Be sure to give “sunny” fishing a try wherever you fish.
All three flies mentioned above are “Fly-Kits” that we sell through our online store. Click on the following links: Zebra Midge; Flashback Beetle and CDC Honey Ant
