Fishing in a stocked trout pond

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I have a small stocked trout pond near my place, and I have had mixed success catching fish from there. I am not quite sure what flies and what presentation I should be using. I normally just tie on a pheasant-tail or prince nymph, cast out, and then slowing strip in the fly in 6 inch tugs. Is this correct? Or is there some other method/presentation I should be using? The trout in the pond are fairly small (less than 10 inches).

Thanks in advance!
Derek

ANSWER: Hello Derek...
I wish there was a simple answer to your question, but there isn't. The most foolproof way to find out what fly pattern to use on trout is to try and figure out what the fish are feeding on. Take a close look around the pond and see what insects and/or larvae are most prevalent. Checking for the same things where the water is up against the bank can be revealing too. I've even gone so far as to open up one or two caught trout to examine their stomach contents.

Additionally, vary the length and test strength of your leader. The more clear the water the longer you want that leader.

Other than that, it's pretty much a game of chance.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Pat,

Once I find out the types of insect and larvae, what presentation should I be using?

Thanks,
Derek

Answer
Hello again...
Any number of factors determine the best presentation:

1. DEPTH -- Warm water, particularly in mid-summer, go almost to the bottom 'cause the trout are looking for cooler water; jerky, "lively" retrieve. Slightly weighted line helps get the fly down where you want it. If a cold front has gone through and brought rain and cooler temps, start out at mid-level and work your way up until you find the fish. Often a good time to try some dry-fly patterns too, especially if you see fish rising.

2. NYMPHS or HACKLED FLIES? -- Generally, nymphs work best into early summer, maybe mid-Juneish. After that most of the insect hatches are over and it's time to turn to hackled flies, like black gnats, mosquitoes, Royal Coachman, etc.,.

3. PLACEMENT -- Cover the water, especially where you can see or know there's concealment for the fish. Don't overlook those parts of the shoreline where brush overhangs the water, or where there are cutbanks. If your pond has oxygen-producing water plants, trout will spend time around them too.