Freshwater Fishing For Trout!

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment.

If you’re fishing for trout, you will find them in cold-water streams, rivers, lakes and ponds throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Trout are more easily snagged in early spring and autumn. Rainbow Trout, however, have been known to be active in the summer. Golden Trout, which can be found in the High Sierras at altitudes above 10,000 feet, tend to congregate in larger numbers in the summer.

During the spring and fall, trout tend to concentrate heavier in pools, behind boulders and other barriers and sometimes under cascading falls.

Deep cuts near the outer rim of a river/stream bend may also yield schools of trout. Lake and pond-dwelling trout tend to run parallel to drop-offs (10’-40’), while they have a tendency to traverse more shallow water in the spring.

Bait selection depends on many variables, but the most common selections are salmon eggs, spawn bags, worms, small minnows, wet or dry flies, 1-2" spinners, 1-2" crank baits, 1-2" spoons and bait rigs.

While Brook Trout seem to have a particular liking for worms, small minnows, spoons and small plugs during spring and summer, the most popular method for the most part seems to be wet flies, dry flies and streamers.

Brown Trout, however, seem to react best to dry fly fishing, as they tend to be more active on the surface, yet wet-flies and streamers also meet with some pretty good success. Like brook trout, brown trout tend to prefer worms and minnows in early spring.

Rainbow Trout, which are considered by some to be the ultimate prize for anglers, tend to hang out in streams and rivers. The best method to hook one of these shimmering beauties is by fly-fishing with wet or dry flies and streamers. Many anglers have enjoyed the thrill of hooking rainbows by bait fishing with worms or salmon eggs. Trolling with spoons or spinners seems to have the most impact in lakes.

Brook Trout usually run from one quarter to two pounds, while Brown Trout traditionally grow to one half to four pounds. Rainbow Trout, averaging between one-half to eight pounds, can offer quite a thrill. The granddaddy of them all, the Lake Trout, has been known to tip the scales anywhere from five to twenty pounds.

As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them. Things that must be taken into consideration, before bait selection, vary according to size, type of water and whether the trout are wild or commercially hatched and stocked in ponds or lakes. In general, however, spinning and fly-fishing gear seems to garner the most success. Larger fish may require 6# to 10# line or leader. Smaller fish only require 2# to 4# line or leader. However, and this is important, 2# to 4# line/leader are almost always required in crystal clear water -regardless of fish size. Lake Trout are much larger and require a deep trolling rig (bait casting) and wire leader.

SUMMARY:

Every trout-fishing enthusiast has their own tried and true opinions on successful trout fishing. Although their approaches may vary, most fishermen agree that following certain methods for trout fishing will yield a better catch and a lot of enjoyment. As varied as the different species of trout, so is the selection of gear with which to snag them.

Jeff Ryall runs a fishing website that focuses on information about fishing and fishing related products. You can enjoy reading tips, tricks and techniques about fishing at his site at http.fishermansfriend1.blogspot.com