Lures & Presentation

Lure selection will vary, depending on the variety and size of the trout you're after, as well as the kind of habitat you're fishing. One interesting fact to keep in mind is that the size of the bait seems to be relatively constant for both large and small trout - 1" to 2" inline spinners, spoons, minnow-imitating crankbaits and bait rigs are all popular choices. All may be cast, drifted or trolled; or if the trout are slow, a bait rig lying still on the bottom is a high percentage tactic.

How to Locate

Wild trout, for the most part, are stream dwellers, although some species live most of their lives in the ocean or the great lakes, and return to the stream where they were hatched only to spawn. Spring and fall runs concentrate the most fish, which can be found below falls, holding in pools and current breaks, or in slack water and eddies behind rocks or other obstructions. Lake and pond dwelling trout, often stocked, tend to roam in schools along deep drop off areas, although they do come up shallow in the springtime.

Courtesy of Berkley