Can Trout Smell?

[dennis boatman]

Can trout smell a fly? Can I use varnish not intended for fly tying? Bass Pro is 45 minutes away, and I don't want to go to town tonight. Any advice on this?

[Danoinark]

I've used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails for years.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails for years.

Same here.

Bit to answer your question, salmon and steelhead can so one would have to assume trout can. There's also the fact that they will come to a still bait.

[Zack Hoyt]

Indeed they can. I also use the nail polish. I also will rub the fly on some moss or a rock in the water to subdue mine or a tying materials scent. Just a thought.

[laker67]

Their sense of smell is very good. They also use their lateral lines to brush against your fly and other floating objects to determine if it is something they want to eat. Have you ever watched a trout rub his side on your fly as it goes by and then turn around and follow it downstream? Some times they will eat it and sometimes they just follow it for a short ways.

[jdmidwest]

If they could not smell, powerbait would be unscented!

I really don't think a thread sealer keeps its smell long after it dries, it is the part is evaporates in the drying process. I too use Sally Hansen, and painted all my beads with Love My Nails Pearl for trips to Alaska for Trout and Dollies.

[dennis boatman]

Bought some Sally Hanson. Asked a young lady if she knew where it was and she took me right to it, though reluctantly...

[bikehikefish]

I quit using head cement years ago. Too much effort to keep it thinned and every time I went to use it it was hardened.

I usually lose the fly in a fish or a tree before it starts to unravel. I have two fly boxes full of uncemented, used flies that are not falling apart.

The flies look better with a shiny, varnished head, but I doubt it makes much difference in durability. Two whip finishes and done.

[jasperflyfisher]

I agree. No cement for my flies either. If it falls apart I just put another one on and have an excuse to tie more.

[Newbie Fly]

Trout smell really well and take in water though the nare into a closed nasal sac . There has been some receent research that they really get turned off by an amino acid L-serine. Bears seem to release large amounts . Never was a big deal for humans unless they urinated in the water but ...... the cosmetic industry and weight loss industry picked up on this stuff ( it helps in fat metabolism and brain funtions )so they add it to alot of moisturizers and suncreen these days and its in weight loss heathy living/ food supplements