Useful Tips on Trout Fishing

Trout is one of the angler's favorite game fish. You will be hard pressed to hook into another freshwater fish that provide the fight and shear enjoyment that the trout does. Though the fish is found almost anywhere in the world the native habitat of these crafty fish depends on the type of trout.

The brook trout is a native to northeastern North America from Georgia to the Arctic Circle and is the only species native to New Jersey and is designated the state fish. The brook trout is often found in headwater section and around cold tributary streams.

Though the brown trout is native to Europe it has been widely introduced in North America including many parts of Canada. The brown trout can be found in the waters of every state in the United States except Florida, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. There have been reports of the brown trout in some of these states, but according to conservation officials, there has been no authentic reports received. It is also found in many parts of Canada.

The rainbow trout also known as a steelhead is native to the North American Pacific drainage from Northwestern Mexico to rivers in Alaska. The rainbow trout is a very popular game fish and is considered a favorite tournament fish to thousands of anglers.

Even though trout season normally doesn't start until sometime in April, it is the Spring time that is the most popular time to fish for this crafty fish. Trout fishing wanes somewhat in the summer but picks up again in the Fall. Anglers are finding winter also provides good opportunities for catch a trophy trout.

Trout can be caught in lakes, rivers and streams. To be successful in catching trout in any of these, there are some factors that need to be considered. Lets look at some common methods used to catch trout in rivers and streams.

The use of spinners and fly rods are the most popular. Some anglers will place other bait on their spinners or other type of lures. Using salmon eggs on a number 8 or 10 hook are also a common trout fishing technique in rivers. Other favorite baits are red worms, night crawlers, mealworms, power bait even corn.

When fishing a stream or river, cast in a slight upstream direction and allow the current to carry your bait to the area you feel a fish might be. Put enough weight on the line so that the line and bait will sink enough to not float on the water but will still allow them to be carried by the current. If the line cast a shadow on the bottom of the stream it may scare the trout.

Fly-fishing is one of the most artistic forms of sport fishing and the trout is one fish that can be caught with the use of the dry fly. When fishing with a fly, fish the current and the pools as well. As I said fly fishing is an art and sometimes it can be hard to keep the fly from sinking or dragging because of the various conditions of the current, but this is a matter that the angler will have to figure out for himself.

One of the tricks of fly-fishing is to try and match the fly you use with the type of insect the trout is currently feeding on. This can be kind of difficult if you don't have a large number of different types of flies. By fishing directly upstream the fly, line and leader will float directly over the fish. The angler constantly needs to read the river in order to cast effectively.

Trout in lakes or ponds can be caught off the shore or a boat. Boat anglers will usually troll using spoons, crank bait or even live bait. A hungry trout will strike the lure the first time it comes over its private domain.

Fishing off the shore involves the same types of bait or lures and because a hungry trout will strike a lure the first time it is presented you want to make the first cast your best cast. Work the lower end of the pool first.