Trout fishing is among the most popular activities in the world of angling for many reasons. For many new anglers, a trout will be their first catch. They are fairly easy to target, widely available all across the U.S.and, not to mention, pretty tasty on a plate with a squeeze of lemon.
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Trout 101 – A Bit of Background
Trout is a common name that encompasses a number of fish species, some of the most common including rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Most trout live exclusively in freshwater and they are closely related to the salmon family.
The different species’ of trout tend to differ significantly in color depending on their environments. Their scales are used as camouflage and they’re often tough to spot in a stream or riverbed. These fish enjoy cool water and are most commonly found in clear running streams and lakes.
Some species of trout can live more than a decade and can grow up to weigh more than 60 pounds! The largest lake trout caught on record was caught in Great Bear Lake in Canada and weighed 72 pounds.
Trout are a fun species to fish as they generally put up a good fight and are quick to bite. They’re the main food source for humans, as well as brown bears and eagles.
Top Trout Fishing Tips
While trout fishing may be among the most popular angling activities, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. A little research can result in more success, and to give you a headstart, we’ve put together six tips and tricks that every trout angler should know before hitting the water.
1. Use a Bobber When Fishing in a Lake
A widespread way to attract trout is to suspend your bait with a bobber. This is a great tactic for fishing on a lake, pond, or still river, but it’s important not to use a bobber in fast-moving water, as it will get thrown to the side of the banks and will severely inhibit your ability to make a catch. You’re better off using a sinker in a river to weigh down your bait and keep it in place.
The best way to set up a bobber is to start with bait on a hook. Attach a small lead weight above the hook to help the bait sink, and place the bobber 2-3 feet above that. Wait till you see the bobber wiggle and jerk, that’s when you’ll know you have a fish on the line.
Be careful when picking out a bobber, because size does matter in this case. The bigger the bobber, the more resistance it will hold, and therefore, the less likely the fish will be to hang on to the bait at the end of the line. Go for small and thin.
2. Stick to Cold Water
Trout strongly prefer cool water to warmer temperatures. In fact, some of the best times to fish for trout are early and late in the season, when the water is cooler. A temperature gauge can be very helpful in your search- a temperature range between 42 to 54 degrees is generally best, though there are some species of trout that prefer warmer or colder.
If you can’t find a cold lake or you are fishing in the summer, target your efforts around deep pools so the temperature is lower. In a lake or pond, there are a few trout go-to places. Likely spots include: above or around underwater vegetation, or along underwater structures like sunken logs, or a structure where a stream flows into a lake.
In running water, trout stick around in one spot and wait for food to come to them. The best spots to fish include behind underwater structures or large rocks, deep, still pockets within the river or near undercut banks.
3. Use the Correct Bait
Because trout fishing is such a popular subsection of the angling industry, many baits are made specifically for it. Live worms are a very popular choice for trout fishing, and while in general, they are pretty effective in attracting trout, they can be a mess to put on the hook. One kind of bait that blew up in popularity and is now a staple in many tackle boxes is “PowerBait.”
PowerBait was introduced by the company Berkley and it does a heck of a job enticing potential catches. The bait is a doughy combination of PVC, oil-based resin, and fish-attracting scents that can be molded into balls and used on a hook.
While Berkley keeps their scent combinations under lock and key, fish seem to love whatever it is. It’s also an attractive choice among many because it eliminates the need to handle messy live bait, it’s fairly cheap, and it fits easily into any tackle box.
4. Stick to the Spinners & Spoons
Spinners and spoons are very popular lure-types that mimic the appearance of a trout’s favorite foods. Spinners are created with multiple metal blades that are shaped in a propeller style. This allows the lure to effectively “spin” through the water when tugged on a line. There are several different styles of spinners with varying degrees of color and reflectiveness, but in a river or lake, they closely resemble minnows or leeches.
A spoon lure is one made of reflective metal, usually, a rectangular shape that resembles, you guessed it, the base of a spoon. There is no shortage of these lures on the market; they’re definitely among the most popular.
When fishing with a spinner or spoon, a fool-proof way to attract a trout is to cast out into a likely hotspot, let the bait sink a good amount, and reel in slowly. Try this a few times varying the speed to find out what the fish are likely to nibble at.
5. Use a Spinning Reel
As aforementioned, thanks to the popularity of trout fishing, there are now trout-specific spinning reels available for purchase. These will always be spinning reels for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Easy to Use: Spinning reels are SUPER easy to use and are great options for the inexperienced angler. With only a couple of simple motions, you can get a long, smooth casting with great accuracy. The only thing you have to keep in mind when using a spinning reel is to keep it right side up. If you’ve got that down, you’re all set.
- Light Baits: These reels are the best choice for casting light baits, which you’ll probably be using for trout fishing. There’s little drag restriction with spinning reels, so even the lightest of baits can be cast long distances.
- Great for All Weather Conditions: Wind can be a major bummer on a fishing trip, but with a spinning reel, there’s no need to worry. There’s a little backlash with spinning reels, so it’s very easy to cast effectively even when the wind is blowing.
6. Respect the Environment
Aside from keeping the streams, rivers, and lakes you fish in free from garbage, there are a couple of other environment-related things you should keep in mind when you’re out on the water.
It’s no secret that the trout fishing industry has caused some pretty major effects on our ecosystem. Overfishing has increased the need for hatchery fish, which in turn has devastated the planet in different ways. To ensure that you’re not adding to environmental harm, it’s of the utmost importance that you pay attention and follows the fishing regulations in your home state.
Regulations vary state by state and have rules based on the size of catches you can keep, where to fish, and other information. If you’ll be practicing catch and release, always make sure your fish is touching water and take care not to do further damage by fishing out a hook.
Fishing is an activity that brings many of us a great deal of joy; to make sure the practice can continue, respect the ecosystems that make it possible.
Trout Fishing FAQ
You may still have questions about trout fishing, which is totally understandable. With so much information available, the learning process can be exhausting. Here’s a list of some frequently asked questions on the subject of trout fishing.
What Time of Year is Best for Trout Fishing?
The best time of year to go trout fishing is at the start or end of the traditional fishing season, so in early spring or late autumn. This is when the water temperatures are best-suited for lots of trout activity.
Is Trout Fishing Good After Rain?
A huge summertime fishing tip is to go out after a huge rainfall. Heavy rainfall increases water level, and in return, changes water color and temperature. This prompts trout to gorge themselves, making it much easier to bring in a catch.
Do You Fish Up or Downstream for Trout?
Fishing up or downstream for trout depends on the scenario. Trout will face upstream, so if you fish upstream, you don’t have as much risk in spooking them with your bait. If you choose to fish downstream, your bait will be seen more quickly, but you also make less commotion by moving with the water.
Conclusion
Whether you’re heading out to catch your first fish or your hundredth, equipping yourself with tips and tricks will most definitely add to your success. Hopefully, this article gives you a boost in your next angling journey. Happy fishing!
