Don't pass up small streams. They may contain surprisingly large trout.
Trout fishing basics cannot easily be summed up in one article. Both the fish and the sport are simply too diverse for even the basics of trout fishing to be compiled in a few paragraphs. Therefore, I’ll attempt to provide the bare bones here and add links to further articles with more in depth analysis on particular topics as they are created. I think it best to proceed in a manner reflecting the way a typical fishing trip might occur. You’ll first have to gather your gear, then find a spot likely to hold trout, you’ll next have to start casting, and finally you’ll hopefully have the satisfaction of hooking and landing a trout.
Gathering Your Gear
The topic of purchasing your gear will be determined somewhat by the next topic – finding trout waters – and by the type of fishing you want to undertake. The traditional notion of trout fishing usually involves a fly rod and the myriad equipment that goes along with fly fishing. This may include the rod and reel, line, leaders, a fishing vest, waders, a net, flies, a fly box, and perhaps many more items. Fly fishing can be an expensive hobby. This is probably a topic that would be better discussed in more detail by my accomplice Russell, but I will note that fly fishing can be rewarding as it presents a greater challenge and is more conducive to involvement beyond the actual activity of fishing as one can spend more time tying flies than fishing with them.
If you are looking for a quicker way to catch trout then you’ll probably want to purchase a spinning reel and rod. Further, unless you’re looking to catch lunkers in the tail waters of a dam or trolling for lake trout you will probably want an ultralight spinning reel. I find that the lighter the line the better. I typically use four to six pound test line on “wild” rivers, but use only two pound test when fishing trout parks that receive a lot of traffic.
Probably my all time favorite lure. An 1/8 ounce Panther Martin resembling a fingerling Brown Trout. Trout are cannibals.
You’ll also need lures. I find the most versatile and successful lure to be an inline single spinner, such as a Roostertail or Panther Martin. Get a good selection of colors ranging between 1/16 and 1/4 ounce. Of course the bigger the fish you’re after the larger the lure you’ll want. You also need to match the size of the lure to the rod and reel. One-sixteenth to 1/4 ounce lures will work fine with an ultra-lite setup but a larger rod reel combo may not cast the lighter end of this spectrum very well. In addition to the spinning lures you’ll probably want to a few other lures that are particularly successful for a given river or region. For instance, at Roaring River State Park in Missouri small plastic worms are very popular and effective. To find out the best local lures visit your local tackle shop or contact a hatchery.
Some device for carrying these lures is also required. Some are fund of vest, which are comfortable and handy, but a small pocket tackle box is another option. Others prefer simply sticking some lures in their hat.
Other essential gear includes a net and a pair of forceps for removing hooks. Rubber nets avoid getting hooks caught in fabric. Also, nets with wooden frames look nice but my deteriorate quicker. Some nets have the inches marked inside to make measuring a fish easier. In the end it is personal preference, but you probably don’t need anything too large unless fishing for lake trout or in dam tailwaters. A small single-handed net is sufficient and practical.
Finding Trout Waters
Just as there are a variety of trout species there is also a variety of trout habitat. However, there are some common features to look for in locating trout. These basic features include cold water. Trout usually live in water ranging between 50 and 65 degrees F. This means trout will be found in streams and rivers that are fed by year round springs or snow and glacier melt, or in the tailwaters below large dams.
Trout also prefer clean, clear water. They need water that is moving and providing oxygen. This is particularly true with brook trout, while brown trout – particularly larger ones – may be found in slower moving water near structure.
Locating some sort of structure is also a trout fishing basic. These fish are spooked easily and will seek out protection from predators. This means they prefer habitat that allows them to hide. This could be an overhanging bank, logs or rocks, or merely a deep pool close to flowing water.
A sure way to locate a good trout stream is to contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Conservation Department. State’s with trout water typically have hatcheries that stock certain locations with trout. Some states also have designated trout parks. These are great places for beginner fisherman to learn the basics of trout fishing.
Catching a Trout
Once you have your gear and you’ve found a trout stream you’ll probably want to catch some fish. As mentioned above, look for a place that has swift flowing water where trout are likely to feed, but also keep an eye out for a place the fish can retreat to in case of danger. This will usually consist of some riffles or rapids followed by a run of swift water and ending a deeper pool.
Approach the likely trout water as carefully as possible. Don’t wear bright clothes and try to keep a low profile. Trout can see out of the water.
For the most part you will want to cast upstream and retrieve your lure downstream keeping the lure moving just a little faster than the current. There are exceptions to fishing upstream, but for the most part this is the best approach. Trout feed facing upstream as they expect food to be brought to them by the current. Reeling the lure downstream also allows the fisherman to get the lure into deeper water where trout often lurk. Also standing or wading downstream is less likely to spook the fish.
Pay particular attention to any places that provide cover for the trout as they feed. Reel your lower close eddys that are located behind large rocks, or cast and retrieve along an overhanging bank.
As you reel attempt to make your lure look as life like as possible. As you reel give slight jerks to the rod making the lure appear as injured prey being swept down by the current.
Of course if you are using live bait or powerbait you may simply toss the bait into a large hole with a sinker, and perhaps an indicator, and wait for a bite. If this is the approach you use be sure to keep the line tight as the bait sits on the bottom in order to detect any strikes.
When you do get a strike, set the hook and keep the line tight. If there is slack line the trout may be able to shake the hook loose. This is particularly true when fish jump out of the water. Trout are often lost when they jump so keep the rod tip up and the line tight. However, when using light line and you have a large trout you will want the drag set so as to allow the fish to run. If your drag is set too high and the fish gives a jerk or starts on a run it may break the line. In order to get the trout in be patient and allow the trout to wear down before attempting to land it. (However, don’t play fish too long when unnecessary as this decreases their chance for survival when released.)
As you reel the fish in get your net ready. Do not chase the fish with the net, but rather lead the fish into the net. Be very gentle with trout and try not handle them too much with your bare hands. Trout are delicate and have a protective layer of slime that is important to their immune system. If releasing get the fish back in the water as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
One of the most important elements to trout fishing basics is too enjoy yourself and don’t become frustrated. Trout fishing can be challenging but don’t overmistify trout and lose confidence. Use the basic approaches set out above, but experiment in your lures and technique, and be patient. The trout fishing basics are easy to understand and to implement though challenging to master, but you’ll be catching trout before you know it.