I have never had the chance to do any trout fishing and never caught one. I am starting my research on what they are using to catch them locally but I would love any and all tips and suggestions for someone new to this species. I dont have a fly rod and only have conventional spinners. I am reading through this entire section trying to pick up all I can but you can never have to much info thanks yall

I don't do a lot of trout fishing but here are some thoughts to get you started. Small inline spinners like Mepps, Roostertails etc are usually good. If you are limited to spinning gear, don't despair as a casting bubble which is like a float that is designed to allow water to be added as ballast will allow you to cast flies with spinning gear. Of course all of this is based on my assumption that you are fishing rivers/streams for freshwater trout. The casting bubbles should be locally available, if not for sure Cabela's has them in the catalog or online. Tom

U dont need a fly rod. I have been fishing for trout with my spinning rod for years. Try using worms, maggots, or wax worms. I usually use power bait and sometimes thats all u need but I do have to say that there is only 1 color that works great. I dont use any other color. The only reason y i am not posting the color because it is very hard to find where i am and they do sell out quickly. So if u would like the color give me a p.m. and ill be more than happy to tell u.
I use a 4.5' rod with a small spinning reel.
This is for stocked trout. For bigger trout like steelhead it is different.

I have been chaseing trout since 68 and I have found that spinners are about the most effective over all. I make the Super Bow spinners and since the first I have averaged 4 trout per hour every year in local streams as well as streams and rivers in Colorado, Montana, Idaho etc.
This year I am starting a totaly new line of TWIST-Less spinners that eliminate almost all line twist, and also have started the new One-der Bow a single hook design that has out produced spinners with trebles in both proformance as well as production.
They are hand made by me right here in USA, and you will catch trout as well as other fish.
eggersspinners.com
John Eggers (spindoctor)

Hey John, I was wondering if you had an assortment pack of your most suggested spinners? If so shoot me a pm or email me at kevinclance1980@aol.com I would like to give them a try. I love trying new stuff. I see you have a couple for pike too, thats another fish I want to hang in to soon. I hear they put up a good fight.

Thanks for all the replies and help so far yall are great

Kevin

Kevin. I would say in my opinion the best start would be to talk to some fellow fishermen in your area to see whats hot in west Virginia. also try posting in the WV section of this forum for some local help. I am a big spinner fan and a fly fisherman( at least trying to be) but a good ol worm can work wonders some times. also the suggestion for using a casting bubble and a fly is a good bet. a good choice ( again in my opinion only) would be an attractor dry fly such as a renegade or a coachman. a hopper pattern in summer may be a good bet also.

Brian

Will do Kevin,
I would say that in your area the Black Pearls would be an excellant choice, as you typicaly get a little more terrestial action earlier than we do up north.
 I can also send you a copy of a popular TV show that we filmed in 2008 that shows how we use spinners for trout, the host caught and released 80 trout that day.

Trout fishing is my favorite type of fishing. I have just a few suggestions. Trout are very line shy, keep your line size at 8 pounds or less(unless you plan on catching a monster trout). I use 4# or 6# line myself. Retrieve your lures as slow as possible while still maintaining proper lure action. Vary your presentation depth by casting, pausing and counting down in increments until you find the depth the fish are at that day. Don't go too big on lure size(most of my trout lures are 1/8 and 1/16 ounce) as the larger lures tend to scare trout away. Trout can sometimes be light biters so use properly sized gear and if you use bait such as power bait off of the bottom, I suggest you use a small, light weight bobber or something similar loosely attached to your line between two guides to hold a section of slack line down that the fish can take so they don't feel any resistance when taking the bait. This also makes a great bite indicator. Wait until the fish is done "playing " with the bait and actually runs with the bait and takes up all of the slack which means it's time to set the hook. BTW, use a slip sinker on your main line and tie on a swivel ahead of your leader section to keep the sinker away from the hook. The fish can take the bait without feeling the resistance of the weight.
Regarding lures, in-line spinners are very productive as are various types of spoons, crankbaits, jigs and smaller plastic worms. You can even fish with flies without a fly rod/reel using a clear casting bubble as the weight. Salmon eggs, worms or power bait(and imitations of) are good bait choices for trout. Try asking around to see what might be productive in your area.
Good luck.

I love this forum! You guys always have a wealth of information and I am learning so much about all types of fishing.

So far I havent met anyone in my area who does trout fish and the few people I have met when fishing only fish for catfish and bass as I am usually doing. So I will learn more by trial and error but with the great folks here on the forum I do have a step ahead with types of lures and baits to use.

Sierrafishing, I had no clue that they were line shy so I will have to restring a reel (just got my shimano 2500hd from the club so its a good candidate I hope) and should I use a light action or ultra light rod? If they are light biters I know my current medium and heavy action rods will be too much and I wont feel much of a bite. Also what is a "casting bubble" I have read of people using balloons attached with a rubberband trout fishing, is this a casting bubble or is there an actual piece of tackle called that? I am going now to check around on bass pro, gander mountain, and dicks sporting goods so I may answer my own question but figured I would go ahead and ask.

You guys are awesome and thank you so much for the info,
Kevin

hey Kclance. to answer your question about a casting bubble. The basic idea is to have a bubble with a center post that can be slid out partially and water let into the middle. this will add weight but still float. fill the bubble half to 3/4 full and add your terminal tackle and a fly on the end. now you can cast the weightless fly with ease.

Brian

Looks like bpetersen answered the casting bubble question, thanks bpetersen. I also have some that are basically just a clear tear drop or oval shaped float that have a ring eye on each end to tie your line to and allow the line to lie flat on the water.
Regarding the fish being line shy, it's not as much of a problem with planted trout but absolutely a concern if you target wild fish. Which reminds me, if you do some stream fishing, try to be as inconspicuous as possible. The fish can be extremely wary. I have spooked fish by doing nothing more than poking my head out from behind cover some distance away to look over a pool, just to see the fish make a mad dash for cover. Try to stay low and keep your shadow away from the water if possible. Back to the line size, the size of your line needs to be consistent with the size of the lures used and many trout seem to prefer smaller sized lures in the 1/3 ounce range or smaller as I have actually seen trout flee from some bigger lures I have tried in the past. The exception might be if you are targeting very large fish. Also, when bait fishing, trout tend to mouth or feel the bait a little bit before actually taking the bait and they might feel heavier line easier. Generally the lighter line and/or lighter the lures you use, the lighter the rod must be to cast correctly. The rod I use for bait fishing(1/4 ounce weight or less) for trout and throwing heavier spoons(from 1/8 to 1/3 ounce) is a medium power rod but both of my rods that I use more for casting light lures(3/8 ounce or smaller) are ultra light and light power. I would say that a heavy power rod is too heavy for trout fishing except maybe large steelhead or brown trout. As for feeling the bites, sometimes they are extremely light and sometimes they hit like a freight train, I guess it all depends on the mood of the fish. Good luck!

BTW, I usually use 4 to 6 pound line when trout fishing.

I use 10 pound test as my default set up for smallmouth bass and trout too. I have never had any problems with them being line shy as my line is virtually invisible in the water. And besides, I want to be prepared for that 5 pound trout! Or bigger! The trout usually hit, like Sierrafishing said, like a freight train in the areas I fish. I am kind of secretive about my trout techniques as it gets pretty competitive out there on the water, you know?! If any of you want to send me a Private Message I will tell you my trout set up but i don't want to post it on here. Sorry! In my opinion, trout fishing gets a real bum rap from guys who are strictly bass fisherman. There is tons of action in trout fishing if you know how to do it and are catching quality trout on almost every outing! And they fight hard! I use a medium action rod, and the trout still make me work for every fish! Gosh I love fishing!

I have noticed on this forum and from other sites that alot of the lakes and ponds are approaching ice out conditions. If you live in a place were this is occurring you could be in for some action. cast your bait to the edge of the ice or on top of the ice and drag it over the edge to plop into the open water. trout will often hang out here wating for tasty morsels to unthaw from the ice edge. plus it seems that they are hungry at this time of year. also target shallows and bays that are warmed by the sun. I would say my go to line size for trout most of the time is in the 6 to 8 pound range.

Brian

I don't know if this is universal but the stocker trout I have fished for have all been bottom feeders. That would make fluorocarbon line doubly good- low vis and negatively buoyant. I'm thinking Brian's advice about working the ice edge might be good for more than just trout! Tom

Posted By Captain Quantum on 01 Mar 2011 01:28 AM
I use 10 pound test as my default set up for smallmouth bass and trout too. I have never had any problems with them being line shy as my line is virtually invisible in the water. And besides, I want to be prepared for that 5 pound trout! Or bigger! The trout usually hit, like Sierrafishing said, like a freight train in the areas I fish.

I use ultra clear P-Line floroclear but I have to use lighter line because of the crystal clear snow melt water in the rivers here and the average wild fish is only about 11" long and the planters about 12" so heavier line is not needed. I do hook the occasional 15" planter rainbow or 20" wild brown, but there aren't too many here. I wish the streams here had a bunch of 5 pounders in them. The larger fish actually hit rather lightly while the small wild rainbow and brown trout hit like a wrecking ball. I guess they have to compete more for their food. I did catch a few planter trout years ago in the local reservoir on 20# line though.

Posted By Captain Quantum on 01 Mar 2011 01:28 AM
 

In my opinion, trout fishing gets a real bum rap from guys who are strictly bass fisherman. There is tons of action in trout fishing if you know how to do it and are catching quality trout on almost every outing! And they fight hard! I use a medium action rod, and the trout still make me work for every fish! Gosh I love fishing!

I agree! One of my co-workers is a bass guy and he jokingly calls me the perch getter. I said if he ever gets tired of catching those plain green mundane fighting largemouths at the less than scenic local reservoirs, he should come with me to take in some clean air at 6,000 feet in the middle of some giant sequoia trees to fish the clear, fast water for some amazingly colorful and hard fighting trout. They aren't too big around here but they sure fight much harder(pound for pound) than the lazy bass do. I guess since I prefer trout fishing I put more effort into it, but I sure can catch trout more consistently than bass(I do bass fish too). The bass are too hit and miss.  It doesn't help that the local lakes get blasted by tournament bass guys every weekend almost all year long either. Besides, there's nothing wrong with "perch". I like crappie fishing and if those bass fought like bluegill(or trout) do, I'd go after them much more than I do now.

to me bass and trout fishing are the same. Just pass anything in front of them and they will hit the bait. What 's really fun is when you see a bunch of them laying in the hole and when 1 hits they all seem to follow. A buddy at work talks crap on the trout and says he loves bass fishing. I just laugh at him. then he asks why i am laughing. I asked him if he had ever caught a 8lb, 20+ inch trout before. He said no but ive caught a 20 in bass before. I still laugh. Im not dissing bass but I love it when you catch a trout that can smoke the reel in matter of seconds. Ive caught those 20 in bass to but they seem to give up quicker.

And trout taste better than bass too! Ha ha!

klance;
kevin here in Idaho I use spinners,worms,jigs,marshmallows, & powerbait. For me the best P.B. is orange but the multiplicity colors work pretty good too. Trout like bright colors too if you have clear line before the lure. Also even useing swimbait lures works. If you are going after the big ones they like colder water so you need to go deep. (15"-- 20") thats good for walley & pike. Be ready for a fight if you hook one of them.LOL Anyway good luck this year have fun Remember don't drink & boat. GOD BLESS 0{:-)>

Foregot trout like whole corn too also salmon eggs (green,pink,red)are ok. Also I use a size 6 or 8 plain hook alot. Most of the time it is try & try again until you find the right combination that works for your area & trout. Browns put up a darn good fight too.

Isn't using whole corn illegal in most areas? It's definitely unsportsmanlike to dump a whole can of it into the water like I have seen some people do! But when it comes to trout, spinners are my go to weapon. With a few twists of course. But those are secrets...

Captain I did not mean to dump the corn. put a kneel on a hook one at a time. It is illegal to dump it all at once by idaho's law. you fish up northern idaho in lake C.D' laine don't you.

Yeah I do. And I wasn't accusing YOU of dumping corn I just meant that some people do. I do use corn SCENT on occasion against the trout and they love the stuff! And it's funny you mention Idaho because that's where I saw an entire can of corn dumped in the water! I knew it was illegal there at least.

I am fan of the spinner myself. If you want to add a little scent add on a piece of berkley gulp worm or other scented formed bait ( where legal) on the hook behind your spinner or spoon. I like to swap out the trebles sometimes for single hooks.

Brian

Hey bpetersen! SHHHHH!!! That method catches a lot of trout! Don't let the secret out! Ha ha!

When it comes to fishing Trout it really does depend on what kind of Trout you are fishing. It seems that most folks seem to be speaking about fishing streams here for Trout. Don't forget a person asking how to fish Trout might be talking Brookies but they also may be taliking Rainbows, Brown Trout, Splake, Lake Trout, Steelhead or other species of Trout. I fish personally fish streams for Brook Trout or Rainbows with a fly rod and tiny little dry flys. I also fish Steelhead, Brown Trout and Lake Trout with lures and spoons in Lakes at depths of 30 feet and also in depths of 100 or 130 feet with downrigers. It surely is different to fish a Brook Trout in a stream that weighs 8 to 12 ounces to fishing for a Trout in a hundred foot of water that weighs 6 to 16 pounds.

The first question I would ask of someone wanting to fish Trout is what species and where?

You forgot one important detail: Are you fishing for stocked or wild trout? Because they act quite differently and each one requires a different approach. That would be the first question I would ask.

Posted By Captain Quantum on 07 Mar 2011 08:06 PM
You forgot one important detail: Are you fishing for stocked or wild trout? Because they act quite differently and each one requires a different approach. That would be the first question I would ask.

I agree with this 1.

I trout fished for the first time last summer. We walked a small stream in Iowa ad had a nce day. I had two nice Browns and my buddy had afew also. We were using Panther Martin and Blue Fox spinners. But I had the best of luck with my Johnson Beetle Spin. I like the Beetle Spin because it doesn't twist your line because the spinner is above the weight.

You use a weight with a spinner? Strange.

Hey Captain Q, I'm not sure jbird 68 was talking about using a weight with the spinner, just the weighted part of the beetle spin, and I agree that you do get less line twist because of its configuration. The beetle spin is just a great lure and awesome for a whole bunch of fish species.

Posted By hoosierbuddy? on 12 Mar 2011 06:34 AM
Hey Captain Q, I'm not sure jbird 68 was talking about using a weight with the spinner, just the weighted part of the beetle spin, and I agree that you do get less line twist because of its configuration. The beetle spin is just a great lure and awesome for a whole bunch of fish species.

I have never heard of a Beetle Spin. I looked it up and realized you were talking about a spinner bait with a beetle themed lure attached. The trout in my area would not hit a lure like that! It must be a geographical thing or something! I fish a lot of stocked AND wild trout and I know they don't bite lures that big.

could be I guess, but those beetle spins come in a variety of sizes, and they're pretty killer for crappie, smallmouth largemouth etc. and I wouldn't doubt they'd work on feeder trout as well, granted it wouldn't be my first choice but I wouldn't hesitate to try it!

Posted By hoosierbuddy? on 15 Mar 2011 08:33 PM
could be I guess, but those beetle spins come in a variety of sizes, and they're pretty killer for crappie, smallmouth largemouth etc. and I wouldn't doubt they'd work on feeder trout as well, granted it wouldn't be my first choice but I wouldn't hesitate to try it!

I do have some small spinnerbaits I use for bass. Maybe next time im out fishing for rainbows i'll tie one on and see what happens!

I would bet that the beetle spin would work ok for trout. would be handy for those weedier locations when a normal trout lure may not work as well. Its probably worth a try.

Brian

I have caught trout on some Mann's mini auger tail spinner baits that are the same size as a Bettle Spin. I haven't used them in many years. Maybe I'll try them again and see what happens although I'd hate to lose one.

Im always interested in what others use for trout. Thanks for all the info guys.

I always use a nympth fly or a grasshopper in the streams.

Hey you can check out this page about catching trout with powerbait in stocked ponds and lakes.

Trout Fishing

I live on the Delaware River in NY and this stretch of water is some of the best but most difficult stretch to fish i use a pfluger supreme reel with maxima chameleon 2-6lb test i found that no matter were i fish this line seems to blend the best and the fish here are very picky line is a big thing as the year goes on you need to use lighter line. for tackle i use alot of everything but as a rule of thumb everything gets smaller as the year goes on early season i use 1/4 oz spinners and the 2 spinners i swear by is the thomas spinners double or single and the panther martin i start with a size 9 then as the year ends i end up with a size 4 just give it a try and you dont need anything fancy just a couple of the black and gold and the yellow and silver, another thing that works good is a 1/4 oz flord spoon in gold and blue and silver, i use these all year around if you have any serious questions you can add me and p.m. me and i can discuss any questions you have about trout

I've caught 5 trout in my life, all from fish farms.

I hope to catch some from the wild this year!

i my self use rapalas #5 and #7 gold and silver floaters and 4 lb test 5ft ul st croix rod with a lew's speed spin 1 ..and a due very well..a stream i fish i have caught native browns in excess of 3 lbs and over 19 inches

all i do is get a nice spinnning rod and reel and use silver roastertails. fish in some rocky bottom streams and if u think the waters fast its good for fishing.

Posted By fisherfanatic on 20 Apr 2011 08:06 PM
I've caught 5 trout in my life, all from fish farms.

I hope to catch some from the wild this year!

You need to catch more trout man! You will get hooked and love them just as much as bass! I do.

Posted By Captain Quantum on 23 Apr 2011 07:56 PM  

You need to catch more trout man! You will get hooked and love them just as much as bass! I do.

maybe even more than bass.

That trout is a monster!

Posted By Captain Quantum on 24 Apr 2011 03:20 PM
That trout is a monster!

Got that right!

i love a good trout the thing is if you fish stocked trout it isnt as exciting as a solid native

aaaaa its a monster. That fish is small what u guys talking about. hahahaha
That is an average size for a steelhead believe it or not. Anywhere between 20 to 30 in...5 to 10lbs... That 1 was 26in. That was stocked as a small fish. Steelhead are rainbow trout stocked as fingerlings 2 to 3 in. Then they swim into 1 of the great lakes. Every year they come back(bigger) to the same creeks that they are stocked in. They come back to spawn. None of them successfully do.
I would call that a wild trout.A fun fish to catch in my book. 
Heres what they look like when the first come into the creeks.

Nothing more beautiful than a rainbow trout. The colors are amazing on those fish.

I like them when they are darker but hey cant beat chrome.

i have caught a steelhead but it just dosnt beat a good size brown or a river rainbow see the steelhhead live in the lakes not the stream i would much rather catch a 6lb brown out of a river than in a laketake a look at the one on my profile he was caught on a 1/4 oz blue/silver pheobe a 4'8'' UL WITH A PFLUGER supreme reel and 2lb maxima chameleon line wellworth the fight

That is a nice brown. What a great fight that must have been. There are browns up here to. Ive been seeing some nice 1s but havent hooked into any. Some looking bigger than steelhead. So if ur saying browns put up a better fight than I cant wait to hook into 1.

My girlfriend and I were steelhead fishing last September at one of Lake Erie tributaries. I just got done catching a jack and next thing I know she was reeling in a decent brown trout about 22 inches long. Wasn't putting up much of a fight at all but I am pretty sure it was stocked. Next fall should be very interesting with how many browns the PA fish and boat are stocking into lake erie tribs along with the steelhead.

besides red worms my favorite thing to fish with is rooster tails i found that they are the only spinner i have caught a trout off of during summer get an orange rooster tail and fish big slow moving rivers and i can almost guarantee you'll hook a monster

the prettiest trout on the planet undoubtedly is the native brook trout if you don't know what it looks like Google it you'll be amazed