Best Tips For Trout Fishing from Smoky Mountains Old Timers

Remember that fishing for wild trout in a mountain stream is a little trickier than fishing in the hatchery supported streams for "doughbellies". Doughbellies is the name given by the mountain fishermen to hatchery grown trout because doughbellies will be suckered for a glob of whole wheat bread rolled into a ball. No self respecting wild trout will fall for that old trick, not even the brook trout. By the way, do not refer to brook trout as brook trout or brookies; they are "speckled" trout in the mountains.

First of all, trout are not lounging around the pools waiting for a fisherman to entertain them. They are quietly waiting for food to come floating down the stream or swimming by in a somewhat injured fashion. They must conserve their energy so they consider the "rate of return" approach to getting food (energy). If they can get a food item with less energy expended than it takes to capture it, they are sold.

One winter day when I was in Bryson City just starting up the Deep Creek, I met Jim Rich who was such a believer in camouflage that he even sprayed his spinning rod and reel with it. I only had occasion to see Jim a few times afterward, however, he always had nice trout in his creel. To this day, I have been a believer of camo, but Jim Casada a prolific writer and trout fisherman for over 50 years prefers camo but he also likes tan or brown. With that in mind, here are the best tips that I have collected from those old timers of the mountains.

If you are on the bank, blend in with the trees and rhodendrons as much as possible.

Wear camo or brown and blend into the environment by wearing a green hat.

Stay low and close to the water level. Remember a low profile is always best.

Take advantage of big boulders, fallen trees, etc. to conceal your location

Move slowly, if you walk up the bank do so carefully. If you walk up the stream, it is best to scuffle along rather than picking up your feet. It is natural for small rocks to slide along being pushed by the current. A large clomp of noise will send the trout swimming for Dixie.

Give yourself every advantage, wear a good pair of Polaroid sun glasses to prevent glare, excellent vision is required.

Wait for the best opportunity and get into position where you have the best angle and the best shot. It pays to be patient.

Make your first cast be your best shot, remember in natural conditions the trout see their food only once as it passes by.

Be vigilant and expect a hit so you can set the hook before the trout makes a hasty exit.

Never, never try to cast and wade at the same time. "There will be plenty of time for casting after the wading is done" to quote Kenny Rogers.

Use the shortest cast possible and keep the line tight. Do not impress anyone with your ability to cast into the next county!