Trout Fishing Basics
Imagine standing on the bank of a
clear, cool stream casting into a pool just outside of
the swiftly moving current. Before you realize it, you
have a strike. You quickly set the hook and the fight is
on. You can see the fish flip and thrash in the water,
trying to escape the bite of the hook that's embedded in
its mouth. It's a good sized fish. As you land it you
realize you've caught a beautiful trout.
Trout is the name that's shared by several fish species.
Trout are members of the salmon family. There are
several species of trout, including brown, brook,
rainbow, cutthroat and steelhead. There are also some
species of sea trout. These species feed on insects,
insect larvae, crustaceans and smaller fish. Trout are
native to Asia, Europe and North America. During the
19th century, they were introduced to Australia and New
Zealand by enthusiastic anglers.
Trout can be found in easily recognizable narrow areas
in cool lakes, rivers and streams where fast, rapidly
moving water meets slow, and where deep water meets
shallow. They can also be found where rocks and rock
shelves offer tranquil relief from the current. Rainbow
trout feed in faster water that runs approximately six
feet per second. Other species of trout feed in slower
waters where water runs approximately one foot per
second.
If you are fishing a stream where brook, brown cutthroat
and rainbow are all found, you will find rainbow at the
head of the pool and the other species in the middle and
at the tail of the pool. They also like to hang around
large objects that slow the current, such as rocks or
rock shelves.
Trout like to rest where fast water meets slow and
adjacent to the main current. Find the main current by
watching bubbles and debris that moves through the pool
or run. Look to the head of the pool and find where the
faster water spills into it. Trace its path through the
pool to find the places where trout lurk, waiting for
prey. When a tree falls into the water at a right angle
to the current and the trunk is still rooted in the
bank, anglers call it a sweeper. The best places to fish
are just outside of the branches, in front of the crotch
where the sweeper meets the bank.
There are a wide variety of both live and artificial
baits that will get you a good sized trout. Cured salmon
eggs, earthworms, marshmallows, insects, insect larvae,
kernel corn, egg sacs, crayfish, artificial and live
minnows, spinners, spoons, Mepps and wet and dry flies
are all great when fishing for trout.
If you are still-fishing for trout, you will need a
graphite or fiberglass rod that is between 6 and 7 feet
in length and a basic reel. Use 8 to 10 pound-test line,
a swivel, a leader and live or artificial bait as
mentioned above. If you are fly fishing for trout, you
will need a 9 foot graphite or fiberglass fly rod to
allow you to cover the widest range. Add 75 feet of line
to your reel if you plan to catch trout that is over 4
pounds. You will also need thigh or chest waders, a
fisherman's vest with lots of pockets for flies, a knife
and a fishing basket for your catch. Both wet and dry
flies can be used to fish for trout.
If you need advice on trout fishing or help to choose
your trout fishing equipment, ask a family member, a
friend or a staff member of the local bait and tackle
store. Experienced anglers can give you tips that will
make your trout fishing experience a positive one.
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