A Sea Trout is simply the migratory form of the brown trout. (Steelheads are migratory rainbow trout.)

On the Ogmore river the average size of the sea trout is between 1.5 and 3lbs. Therefore, it is not necessary to rush out and purchase heavy outfits, most of the fish that you are likely to encounter will provide more fun on sensible but lighter tackle. However leaders and tippets are increased in size to an average 8lb for that unexpected larger fish - double figure fish are regularly caught each year.

I personally use two rods one for day light ( low water ) and the second at night or when the river's in spate. My first rod is a Fenwick 9 feet, AFTM 6 weight line, and the second a Greys 10ft 3" AFTM 8. The 6 weight outfit will definitely cope with larger fish, as I have enjoyed landing many fish over 5lb with this outfit. When it comes to reels I like a robust knockabout reel that will shrug off the knocks and the odd soaking that it will undoubtedly be subjected to, during a night's fishing. There are many excellent reels on the market but beware of cheap reels without a drag system. I enjoy playing fish on the reel, where a good drag system is imperative, there are so many benefits to this while night fishing, where contact and control of the line is important.

Lines should suit your chosen rod, but it is worth considering using a line rated one size higher than usual. Often you will be casting only a matter of 10 to 15 yards in the dark. A slightly heavier line will make short line work easy and will usually make the rod more forgiving. As for line densities, again think of where you are likely to fish. If the river is summer low with slow moving waters / pools a floating line will probably be all you require. An intermediate is useful but not essential. If the river is faster ( in spate ) and/or the pools deeper a sinking line is required. Personally I use a sink tip line as retrieval off the water is made easier and a floating line when conditions dictate. If this option is a bit pricey then a floater with a selection of poly leaders is almost as good. Leaders are a matter of personal choice. I use 8lb Maxima.

In freshwater during daylight sea trout are shy, spooky fish unless the river is high. Always approach holding water with caution because once frightened it is very unlikely that they will take a fly. You should attempt to blend into the background by wearing inconspicuous clothes and using the cover of the bank-side vegetation to the best advantage. Avoid being silhouetted against the sky for that will ruin your chances.

Sea trout prefer to enter the river when the water is of a suitable height for them to run upstream and reach holding pools. Where they gather in shoals, lying low during daylight and becoming active around dusk and dawn. Often continuing their upstream migration during the cover of darkness. If you want to catch them, the best times are when the fish are active. Daytime sport is finest when the river is at a good height for them running. Rising water is not so good, as the dirt seems to put sea trout off the take. Once the river level starts to fall and the colour starts to clear, fly fishing conditions improve. During a spate when the rain has made the river high, fast and coloured, sea trout will be sheltering in quiet water. Look for them in the margins or in seams of gentle current where they can rest. Perhaps behind a boulder, or on the slack on the inside of a corner, or maybe in the slower water of a pool tail. It is unlikely that trout will be lying in deep water in these conditions, they have no need to hide in dark holes because predators cannot see them.

The secret is to find where the fish are, select a fly that they will be seen and present it's self at the correct depth and speed.

Most anglers on the Ogmore fish with a team of two or even three flies, provided you are willing to accept the risk of tangles or getting hooked up on a snag whilst playing a lively sea trout, this method has many advantages. Using more than one fly gives the fish a choice of size and pattern and if conditions are changing, hedging your bets is a smart idea. I limit myself to two flies, sometimes a tube / waddington or sting-in-the-tail as a point fly with a double on the dropper. I never use a tube fly or a treble on the dropper because they tangle around the leader.

It is essential that fish see the fly so in coloured water it pays to use showy patterns. I like silver-bodied flies especially those with jungle cock cheeks. Sizes can be larger than normal, up to #6 hook or a slim bodied tube fly up 35mm long armed with a small treble. In spate conditions the flies can be fished slowly, in fact it is sometimes difficult to slow them down enough due to the fast current so the cast can be made at a fairly acute downstream angle and be allowed to settle into the slower water beneath the surface. When the water starts to clear, the size of flies can be reduced to #10 or #12 and they need not be so flashy, particularly during daylight. 

If the trout have been in the river for a time they can become quite picky where subtle imitations may be required to entice them. Black & orange colour combinations, black & blue and all black are all good choices. However, these fish have tougher mouths and less fighting energy so there is more chance of landing them.

For many anglers sea trout fishing means fishing at night, some planning is essential however.

At night keep your casting simple and reasonably short, throw open loops that prevent tangles especially if you have two flies on the leader. Roll casting is a great method because it eliminates the need for high back casts that risks loosing flies in obstructions. Always arrive an hour before sundown and sit quietly by the river observing. Mark the locations of fish that are rising and decide what flies and techniques you are going to use. Put up your rod complete with leader and fly or flies attached. Then if you have not already prepared spare leaders and flies, do it now. 

Shining a torch onto the water will frighten every fish within sight. Shield its glare from the river and always go ashore quietly if you need to use the torch. My torch, scissors are all attached to my jacket to prevent them getting lost.

In many cases there is no need to wade deeply at night.

Section 1 of the 1951 Act (as amended by the Salmon Act 1986) states:

If any person without legal right, or without written permission from  a person having such right, fishes for or takes salmon in any waters  including any part of the sea within one mile of mean low water springs,
he shall be guilty of an offence ......"

Thus, access to salmon fishing is available only to the owner of a salmon  fishery or with the express, written permission of the owner. This includes sea trout. It is, in general, not a criminal offence to fish for brown trout in Scotland, (unless a Protection Order is in force or the person is taking fish from a *stank* when it becomes theft) but the riparian owner can take civil action to prevent named individuals fishing in his water