How to Go Trout Fishing

Intro: If you have never gone trout fishing, be prepared for an exhilarating experience. That is if you are able to hook a rainbow or brown long enough for a good battle. Half of the fun is in the fight, and trout will not disappoint in the challenge. While fishing for lake trout is a wonderful sport, most people go trout fishing in a river or brook -–no boat required, and these tips will provide the basics for a productive trip.

Step 1: Acquire detailed information about the place you want to go trout fishing. Record catches are far less important than the average number of fish caught, how crowded the banks are and the average sized trout in the area. Inquire if and how much stock is released and when. You may want to start the day when the "whistle blows" at release time. Otherwise, fish when they bite, usually early mornings in the Summer and either morning or afternoon in the Spring.

Step 2: Learn what the trout are biting on before you go trout fishing. Their food preference varies throughout the year and is affected by their environment. The local bait store will generally provide a wealth of information. Color and shape is very important to trout so choose your natural and artificial bait accordingly. The Department of Natural Resources may also serve as a guide to feeding habits.

Step 3: Obtain an ultra-light, high-action short rod to improve response time and fun. It may be equipped with a lightweight spin casting reel, or this can be purchased separately. Fill the reel with 4-pound test monofilament fishing line, or 2-pound for extra challenge. Trout have exceptional vision so avoid heavier line in clear water. Instead, fill the reel about 70% full with heavier line and then add 30 to 40 feet of the lighter line. Avoid overfilling the reel and have it mechanically spooled if desired. Keep the drag (line tension) on medium to medium-high to start. Loosen the drag if the line snaps early.

Step 4: Bring a variety of colored bait and/or spinners to optimize your chances for a catch. Trout are less picky in the Spring but they need to see their food. Flashy colors work in darker waters. Earthworms (split in half), fake worms, and minnows are popular in clearer water and midday. Many other choices are available from jigs to dough bait, but each requires a bit different technique. Use that which allows you the best casting accuracy for starters.

Step 5: Learn about advanced trout fishing techniques if desired. Generally, cast upstream and let the bait float naturally. Cast near banks and overhangs if available and overcast a pool of fish, rather than on top of the trout, and vary your reel-in speed tin front of the trout. Try simulating natural or injured bait.

Step 6: Gather general tackle box supplies: including a hook remover, scissors and a net. Bring a stringer and keep injured fish or give them away. Use small dark-colored hooks (size #10 to #14) with short shanks that are well covered by the bait. Use lures which provides good casting accuracy, avoid going too heavy or too light. Take some small weights (split shots) when you go trout fishing to cast farther and fish deeper if needed.