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Trout is known as one of the more plentiful fish species out there, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to catch.
If you’re looking to stick your toe in the water and try trout fishing for yourself, planning the expedition and knowing what’s required will lead to a more successful haul.
How do you catch trout? Trout are more abundant and bait-receptive at dawn and dusk, so time your baiting accordingly.
Other tactics, such as using a fly to lure them, keeping the water still, and having a rod that’s the right weight and size for the fish you’re after, will also increase your chances.
Trout Fishing Tips You Should Try
All beginner anglers want to land a trout, but it may be harder than you think.
Follow these tips to set yourself up for success on your next freshwater fishing expedition if catching a trout is your goal.
1. Timing is Everything
Any successful angler knows the importance of timing when trying to land a fish, and when you’re dealing with trout, this timing is even more sensitive.
Best to approach the water at dusk or dawn when trout are out feeding and looking for their daily meals.
Not only do you have to time it right, but you also have to find the right location at this time, with experts believing the closest spot to the shore is the best you can do.
You’ll catch them at peak feeding times and in their feeding spot, boosting your chances significantly.
2. Learn the Regulations
Any responsible fisherman takes the time to learn the regulations before diving in and starting to catch fish, and the same goes for when you’re hunting trout.
You’ll need to know the laws and rules surrounding fish, as well as whether you need a freshwater license to catch them. So do your research.
A quick online search can also help you find out where your local area is known for trout. Don’t be afraid to use the knowledge you’ve learned from other anglers to increase your chances of success.
3. Have the Right Bait
When it comes to landing a trout, you’ll want to cater to their predatory nature and know exactly what they want when it comes to bait.
These fish aren’t that fussy, and they’ll gladly feast on anything that’s around, including small fish, worms, insects, and even mice.
To stand a chance, learn about local trout and their diet. You must stay current on their food sources because their menu changes throughout the year depending on what’s available.
4. Tread Lightly
Unlike other freshwater fish, the trout species is prone to spooking easily, and they typically congregate in shallow water during specific seasons of the year.
This means that to land one, you’ll need to be extra careful not to make a lot of motion or noise in the water and to avoid scaring them off.
When possible, the best place to fish for trout is out of the water, but stay close to the shore. When wading in, move slowly to avoid disturbing them, and don’t be surprised if they run when you put your toe in.
5. Keep the Light Away
As tempting as it may be for some anglers, you should never flash a light in the water if you’re trying to catch a trout.
As previously mentioned, trout are highly sensitive to light and movement. The optimal time for fishing for trout is dusk and dawn, which means there’s not that much natural light around.
You’ll need to move away from the water and shore every time you get your flashlight out and start changing flies and retying tippets, but it’s worth the effort to keep them around.
6. Be Consistent With Flies
When you’re fishing in the more popular seasons, when trout will take just about any bait, it makes your job easier if you only use one type of fly.
Once you’re comfortable with a fly pattern that has been proven effective, there’s no need to mix it up, and doing so could actually cost you some fish.
The reasoning behind this is that trout will prefer to go for just one type of bait when they’re feeling less selective. Keep it simple and consistent, and you’ll likely do better as far as trout are concerned.
7. Find Their Preference
If you’re unable to figure out what fly exactly landed you that last trout, you may need to dig a little deeper.
It’s not uncommon for an angler to do some research into the stomach contents of a fish to see, and if that means more success in the future, you’ll be pleased to do it.
Knowing which types of fly the trout are going for will give you a better idea of the fish in the area, as you likely found the best match for what they’re currently eating.
A slightly unpleasant but effective method is to examine the trout’s stomach to determine its fly type and other food sources. Otherwise, stick with one thing to see if they like it.
8. Don’t Overdo It
When you’re on a winning streak and catching plenty of trout, you can get carried away with your success and perhaps take in more than you should have.
However, trout is a fish that tastes better when fresh, so don’t plan on taking any excess home with you; otherwise, the result won’t be worth it.
If you do overdo it, there’s the potential to spook the fish away from your new favorite spot, and there’s less chance that you’ll be able to come back. When going for this famous fish, think of the future and take only what you need.
9. Mix Things Up
During their slower seasons, trout can become accustomed to the same meal, so it’s important to adjust your fly selection accordingly.
If you know that there are trout in the area but none of them are coming to you while you fly fish, make some changes to the presentation.
Use your wet flies, both fast and slow, and even attempt a dead drift if the conditions are right. Just a little versatility can pique their interest again, so be prepared to try.
FAQs
Are trout big or small?
The size of a fully mature adult trout will vary depending on their habitat, with stream dwellers being the smallest and those living in large rivers and lakes reaching trophy size. Ultimately, though, the size that a trout reaches will depend on the water temperature, depth, and food availability.
For trout fishing, do you need a sinker?
A sliding sinker can be used in still water when fishing for trout, as it still allows the fishing line to move once the bait has been taken without taking the weight with it. However, if you’re using a fixed weight, you may get better control in a stream, so it depends on where you’re doing your fishing.
How long do trout live?
The average lifespan of a trout depends on its location and other factors, like the availability of food and whether there’s a high density of other fish in the area. The California golden trout, believed to have a lifespan of up to nine years on average, is the oldest stream-dwelling trout on record.
Wrap-Up
A carefully planned fishing expedition is the best way to land a trout, so make sure you’ve done your research before jumping in.
We hope our tips will help you land a big one on your next fishing adventure. If you’d like to add some more, please leave a comment below.
