Vol. 2, issue 2:

Trout Fishing Basics:

Trout Fishing Basics

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.