WHERE TO FISH
Trout are found in clear faster moving streams and clear highland lakes. In streams, they are found in holes above and below riffles, behind obstructions, in eddies, and in the deeper spots of river bends and cut banks.
WHAT TO USE
They prefer flies, curltail grubs, jigs, small spoons, trout pellets, small spinners and live bait such as worms and minnows.
WHEN TO FISH
Trout will feed at all times, but are most active on cloudy days. In the Spring and Fall, trout are more sluggish than in the warmer weather months. Slow down your retrieve during these cooler months.
FISHING STRATEGIES
Trout are very skittish. Keep movement, noise and vibrations to a minimum. Cast upstream from your intended target allowing the current to drift your bait into the fish holding zone. When wading, avoid casting shadows, making splashes, and dragging your feet.
BASIC RIGS AND TECHNIQUES
The choice of rig and technique depends on fishing conditions. Here are some popular approaches to Trout fishing.
RIGGING GUIDES & HOW-TO
Floating Single Pellet Rig
This is excellent for drift fishing or still fishing. It keeps the bait visible to the fish & allows the current to drift the bait.
1. Tie line to hook.
2. Crimp splitshot onto line, approximately 6-in from hook.
3. Attach float 18-in from splitshot.
4. Place trout pellet on hook, leaving the barb barely exposed.
5. Adjust float as needed for desired fishing depth.
Floating Double Pellet Rig
This is great for both streams and still water. The float keeps the baits visible and prevents snagging.
1. Tie line onto swivel.
2. Attach a pear float 1" from swivel.
3. Snap doughbait leader onto swivel.
4. Place a trout pellet on each hook with the barbs barely exposed.
5. Adjust as needed for desired fishing depth.
Rigged Grub / Trout Worm
Rigged Grub: This is good for retrieving in streams. Cast upstream at an angle
away from the bank, allowing the current to carry the bait while retrieving it. Pass
the hook of a jighead through the curltail grub as shown.
Rigged Trout Worm: This is very attractive to trout as the worm wiggles
and drifts in the current.
1. Tie line to hook.
2. Pass the hook through the worm as shown.
3. Crimp splitshot onto line, approximately 8-in from hook.
Drifting Single Pellet Rig
This is for drifting the bait into trout holding areas.
1. Tie line to hook.
2. Crimp splitshot onto line, approximately 8-in from hook.
3. Place trout pellet on hook, leaving the barb barely exposed.
Drifting Double Pellet Rig
This is excellent for drift fishing or still fishing. It keeps the bait visible to the fish & allows the current to drift the bait.
1. Tie line onto swivel.
2. Add slipshot 1-in from swivel (add more for faster current).
3. Snap trout pellet leader onto swivel.
4. Place trout pellet on hook, leaving the barb barely exposed.
