Beginners Guide to Trout Fishing
Fishing is one of the most old-fashioned yet current past times. It’s an activity that has been going on since the beginning of time and is still extremely popular today.
Whether it’s done as a profession, hobby, or just as a means of enjoying a fresh source of food without a million middlemen, fishing is an art that will only continue to recruit people who will become passionate about it.
Modern technology and innovations have made this more efficient and have opened up a world of information in all areas of the field.
We have searched the net ( -the internet that is, not a fishing net) for the best, most interesting, and informative sources of knowledge and experience to enable you to enhance your trout fishing trips, aim to improve your fishing skills, and expand your trout fishing knowledge!
About Trout
Trout fishing comes in 4th place in the most popular kind of fishing in North America, after catfish, panfish, and bass.
The trout species are closely related to char and salmon and are one of the many fish in the sea! They are very active fish and usually put up a good fight, presenting a good challenge to the seasoned angler.
Once caught, trout make a very tasty fish meal and are classified as oily fish. If you are a ‘catch it and eat it’ kind of fisherman, you’ll be happy to know that trout contains one of the lowest amounts of dioxins, this is a type of environmental contaminant found in all oily fishes.
The widest range of trout variety is found in the Pacific Ocean and along the West Coast. There they are abundant in sizes, colors, and species.
Trout are prey to a number of other animals including brown bears, and birds of prey such as eagles and osprey.
In some countries, such as New Zealand, every year government and private hatcheries release millions of rainbow trout and other trout species to combat overfishing.
The environments that different species of trout live in can have dramatically different effects on its colors and patterns. They usually represent the surroundings they live in and act as camouflage. As a result, their colors and patterns can change as the fish moves to different areas.
Trout Species and Where to Find Them
Although there are 3 main species of trout, in different parts of the world you can find a variety of trout within these main species.
The cold mountain streams of North Carolina are home to the brook trout, also called a speckled trout.
Brook trout generally measure around 8 inches although there are records of up to 12-inch trouts being caught. They are identifiable by their white leading edge, backed by black on its lower fins. They are known to live much longer than some other species of trout with an average maximum lifespan of 7 years and can grow to more than a hefty 66 pounds!
In the United States, the most popular type of trout found is rainbow. These usually have a reddish longitudinal band and gill cover with black spots on it. Normally it measures around 12 inches on average.
Fishermen enjoy the challenge of catching this breed as they tend to jump up out of the water when on a hook -which is one of the most thrilling parts of the sport!
Another popular kind of trout, classified as a rainbow fish, is called a steelhead.
This variation is known to migrate from the Great Lakes or the Pacific Ocean and return back to freshwater streams to spawn. This gives them the silvery sheen that they’re named after.
Steelheads tend to grow to large sizes in the ocean and have been recorded as growing up to 45 inches long and weights of around 55 pounds!
Although the steelhead is well known, it is rarely caught, making it seen as a living legend among experienced trout anglers.
Brown trout are quite an elusive breed also. They will usually give an amateur angler a hard time trying to catch them as they can be extremely wary of strange baits. True to its name, the brown trout are brownish in color. They have spots on their side that can appear black, red, or orange -the most common being black.
On average, when caught they can measure between 12 and 18 inches long. They usually can be found in waters that have covered such as sunken wood piles or wooden structures. Brown trout also put up a good fight when caught on a hook but don’t generally jump up out of the water.
Despite our categorizing trout species by their color, they do appear completely different outside of the spawning season. It is almost impossible to identify their breed by their color or patterns. This is not like wild fish, as they are known to have brighter colors and more vivid patterns.
One less popular trout species is the Cutthroat, which is found in the western waters of the United States. These measure around 12 inches long and are identifiable by the distinctive red mark on its throat.
The spotted seatrout has a lightly colored belly with shades of color ranging from blue to silver, to white. It has dorsal fins and tails appearing as dark gray or green-black.
They are found around the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, deep holes in Florida and its channels, mangrove-fringed shorelines, grass flats, and oyster bars.
Sand seatrout and silver seatrout are not as common as the spotted seatrout but are also known to be caught inshore and around the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coast of Florida.
Sand seatrout have yellow backs and bellies ranging in colors of silver and white.
Silver seatrout are more commonly found in similar locations in sand or muddy bottoms offshore. These have sand-colored backs, with silvery sides and white bellies.
Silver seatrout is not to be confused with silver trout, which are sadly extinct.
These types of seatrout are generally very active fish and offer a good challenge when being reeled in, making it a favorite of sporting anglers.
Regardless of whether the trout is a stock pond or wild bred, all species of trout need clean, cool, well-oxygenated water to be healthy and to thrive.
For anglers, this means it’s often more strategic to head to water at higher altitudes, such as lakes and alpine rivers during summer months, where the water is cooler. Also, rivers in forested areas offer more shade and have waters with good flows and depths.
What Do Trout Like to Eat?
So, if you are interested in fishing for trout, one of the first questions you might want to know is What do trout like to eat? The answer to this question will give you an indication of the kinds of baits and lures you will need to use.
There is a wide variety of things that trout eat. Generally, they like to feed on other small fish, soft soft-bodied aquatic invertebrates, such as flies, dragonflies, mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and mollusks. Trout that are found in lakes will also include various species of zooplankton in their diet, as well as eel, shrimp, mealworms, bloodworms, insects, and small animal parts.
For the most part, trout larger than around 12 inches exclusively eat other small fish -if this is available in their immediate surroundings.
A fully grown trout can devour a smaller fish up to 1/3 their length!
That’s like an adult human being able to eat a small child in one go!
The Best Baits and Lures for Trout Fishing
According to our research, below are some of the best and most highly recommended baits used for fishing trout.
Acme Kastmaster
The Kastmaster is a very plain and simple-looking bait. It is considered to be one of the most diverse baits. It has a standard minnow profile and has a contained wobble. Anglers like to use Kastmasters as they don’t twist your fishing line and do not need the use of a swivel. Also, they can be fished at any retrieval speed and can be jigged or received any way you like.
Leland’s Trout Magnet
The Trout Magnet is a bait popular with pro fishermen. It has proven itself to be a dependable trout catcher. It works best when tipped with a maggot under a float or jig. Make sure you use the correct color for the trout and the environment and this bait will be sure to bring you fish.
Berkley Powerbait 3 in. Floating Trout Worm
Most experienced anglers will already have a variation of this in their collection. They are a great choice for trout fishing and usually attract the bites of nearby trout.
Powerbait floating trout worms are available in a large variety of colors, and options, and multiple ways to fish them. They have the classic Powerbait scent in them which trout really responds too. It can be jigged or just drifted under your float where they are likely to entice a bite.
Worden’s Original Rooster Tails
The Rooster Tail Spinner is highly regarded as a top-performance trout bait. They look like either a baitfish or an insect pattern. It is definitely one of the most necessary lures that a fisherman should have, in fact, it is recommended as one of the first lures every trout fisherman should purchase. Rooster tail spinners are available in a range of sizes and blade color options to target different-sized fish in different locations. These baits are very diverse and can be fished fast or slow.
Mepps Aglia Spinners
The Mepp Aglia Spinner is another classic bait. Many anglers have named this a staple in their collection. The Aglia Spinner is able to spin at even the slowest speeds. It is constructed to be strong and reusable, it will withstand the bites of many trout.
Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnows
These Minnows were more popularly used in panfish fishing, but these are actually great for trout fishing too! The scent in the bait attracts the trout’s attention without you having to do much. Experienced anglers say that the 1-inch model works well, while the larger 2 and ½ inch model works better with more aggressive fish. The minnow can be tipped with a maggot or jig and can be fished fast or slow.
Acme Little Cleo Spoons
Little Cleo Spoons Little Cleo Spoons are known for working just as well as they do with steelhead and salmon fishing as they do with small trout. They are made in a wide variety of colors and they move in quite an erratic fashion, which allows them to attract the attention of any trout in the area.
C.P. Swing Spinners
The old reliable C.P swing bait may be one of the oldest baits on the market but it has 
proven itself to get results time and again. They may not seem like a very capable bait, yet they have some pro anglers vouching for its success in enticing trout bites.
Rapala Original Floaters
The Rapala Original Floater is not traditionally used in trout fishing, however, we have learned that they actually work quite well!
They appear and move in a very lifelike way and are able to convince a trout that they are a good meal. Available in a wide range of small sizes, this makes them easily retrievable at any speed.
Dynamic HD Trout
One of the newer lures on the market, the Dynamic HD Trout has already made a name for itself as a great choice for aggressive trout. It has been specifically designed to attract trout with its good minnow profile. Casting and trolling is enhanced with this bait, allowing it to draw in various sizes of trout easily.
As you can see, there are many options for trout fishing baits. They all have their advantages and best uses. According to the recommendations of many experienced anglers, an important factor in choosing your bait is the environment in which it will be used and selecting a bait that is as versatile as possible. Follow this advice and you won’t come home empty-handed!
The Best Live Baits for Trout Fishing
If you prefer to use live baits, or if you have only used artificial baits till now and would like to try your hand at live baits, then here are our recommendations of a couple of good ones that trout respond well to.
Nightcrawlers
These worms are one of the best baits for catching wild trout. They are not very expensive and are easy to store. They are able to stay on your hook for quite a long time and also stay alive for a relatively long time when submerged in water. When on a hook it will continue to twist and turn, which is what you want to attract any nearby trout without you having to do much!
A downside to using nightcrawlers is that they don’t leave a scent trail, so you are only able to rely on them being seen, as opposed to being seen and smelt, which obviously doubles the chances of a bite.
If you are squeamish, live bait may not be the best option for you.
If you are overly compassionate and will struggle with piercing them, then, again using live bait in this way, is probably not for you.
However, there are ways that you can achieve your goal of fishing in an organic or environmentally friendly way ( assuming that this is the reason for wanting to use live bait).
Luckily, trout will bite dead nightcrawlers and insects too!
We recommend something like Berkley’s PowerBait as it is excellent and provides an option for those of us who do not wish to kill our own bait.
To best use nightcrawlers, make sure that you pierce the worm through one end of it and not cover the whole hook or the trout will not be able to get a good bite on it.
Nightcrawlers work best when there’s enough of it hanging down and moving from the hook. Experienced anglers even recommend using two at a time as this increases the amount of movement on the hook. This is a good tip when using nightcrawlers, to make up for its lack of scent, this method will increase its chances of being seen.
Another tip from Nightcrawler users is to use it in combination with another bait, such as a spinner bait. This is usually a good trout pleaser!
Minnows
Minnows are a favorite food of trout. They are little fish that live in packs in the shallow waters by a shore.
Minnows are an excellent bait for trout. Its small size makes them a nice bite-sized meal while their shiny appearance makes them very easy to spot. This is why some of the most popular kinds of artificial baits imitate minnows looks and movements.
The downside of using minnows is that it can be tricky to get and store. They need to be kept alive for them to work well, this means you will need to carry a container full of water around with you. This can be annoying if you have your hands full with other things or you are somewhere unstable, like a boat!
If you don’t want to buy minnows, you can attempt to catch your own. Putting a bit of bread on a small hook works well to attract a few to you. The best way to attach a minnow to your hook is by feeding the hook through its mouth, from the bottom up. Hooking them this way allows them to keep moving and swimming around attracting any nearby fish.
The key is to use a bait that the trout would encounter in its natural habitat. Minnows work great if you are fishing in a river, but would be ineffective in stocked ponds. Trout kept in captivity may never have seen minnows or certain bugs before, so it is best to stick to what they have been fed.
Trout are born predators. Insects are one of the most important and consistent foods of wild trout. This is why fly fishing can be so effective with trout.
Trouts can be cannibalistic and eat other smaller trout as well. In fact, trout fish in hatcheries are kept separated from the smaller ones as the bigger ones would eat them.
Salmon Eggs
Salmon eggs are very good for drawing attention from trout in the wild. They are a great source of nutrition for them as it is rich in protein.
Salmon eggs are easy to purchase, they are cheap and easy to carry with you as they are usually sold in bait shops, packed in little jars. The red ones have the best success rates as the color allows trouts to easily see them easily, even in the worst visibility conditions.
The drawback of using salmon eggs is that they easily come off of the hook, especially if you are casting your bait far away.
However, if you would still like to try this live bait. Our tips are;-
- When putting them on your hook, use enough to cover the whole hook apart from the end.
- If you are casting your line far away, use as much force as possible.
- It’s best to reserve using salmon egg bait for when you are fishing for trout near the shore.
Berkley PowerBait
If you already know that using a bait that is alive is not something that you are willing to do, then we recommend you use Berkley PowerBait. This is one of the most popular dead baits for fishing for trout. It has a strong scent that can be detected by trout over wide distances. It is also available in a variety of colors to keep your trout interested.
Berkley PowerBait is quite a versatile bait too. It can be used as a flowing bait near the surface of the water or you can use it close to the bottom if you use a weight with it.
The performance of this powerbait can be amped up if used in combination with a nightcrawler. This will make your bait appealing to trout’s sense of smell and sight -if the fish can not smell your hook they will certainly see its movement and bright color.
If the visibility is poor in the area you are fishing, the local trout will at least be able to smell the strong odor of your bait. It’s a win-win!
Some people, however, may feel that the fact that the Berkley powerbait is a nonorganic material is a put-off. It is not the most natural bait option as it is a man-made product. So, if your goal is to fish as organically as possible, we would recommend one of the baits described above.
Best Bait for Stocked Ponds
Stocked ponds are for areas where the local ecosystem is not able to provide enough food for the fish. The people managing these stocked ponds will be feeding the fish their certain types of foods.
You can try to be unique and offer the trout whatever bait you might already have and see if you get lucky with any curious fish.
However, the chances of these fish taking a bite at anything that is different from what they are used to being fed is unlikely.
So you are going to need to have the same kind of bait as the food that the fish are being fed in the stock pond.
Putting minnows on your hook may only serve to confuse these fish that might have never even seen a minnow before. If they do not recognize your bait, these lazy fish may never bite.
Keep in mind that stocked pond fish know that a meal will always come, so the advice is to make your bait one of them.
The Best Equipment For Trout Fishing
Whether you are new to trout fishing or simply wish to be aware of what other experienced anglers are using, the following information will provide you with some of the things that are good to know about trout fishing equipment.
Choosing Your Reel
There are three basic types of fishing reels suitable for new and experienced anglers;
- Conventional
- Spinning
- Spin-cast
There are some others for more advanced users;
- Fly Reels
- Mooching Reels
- Electronic Reels
There are other variations but these are the most commonly used.
Conventional reels – There are a number of reels that are classified as conventional. Bait-casting, low-profile bait-casting, trolling, and ocean. The reels are all designed for a different purpose. Although they can be, most of these reels are typically not used for trout fishing.
Spin-cast – This reel is also known as a ‘closed-faced’ or ‘push-button’. It is generally used for learners’ or children’s fishing set-ups. It’s not one of the highly recommended reels but they can work well in trout fishing.
From the information gathered here, “spinning” or “open-face” reels are best for fishing trout.
These reels are able to adequately perform the necessary tasks to allow you to enjoy using them. They have a good line capacity and are able to cast well. Its line is easy to maintain and does not really cause any trouble when casting it. This is also a good starter reel and it is trouble-free when it comes to casting and line maintenance. Although its drag system has been reported as not that great, this would not be a problem for us, as it is fine when used for trout fishing.
Features to Look For in a Reel
When looking to buy your first reel or if you’re thinking it’s time for an upgrade, then make sure any reel you choose includes the features listed here.
- Minimum line capacity of at least 100 yards, more is better with a 4 to 6-pound test monofilament.
- Infinite auto-reverse: This is how much backplay the bail has when it rotates around the spool. There should be no back play unless the reel has a ‘Quickfire’ tab.
- Generally, it should be made of mostly metal, otherwise, carbon fiber works well too.
- It should have a smooth drag operation
- A spare spool is always a nice bonus!
Choosing the Best Rod For Trout Fishing
Similarly to reels, there are 3 major kinds of rods and many other variations of them.
The 3 main kinds are;
- Spinning Reel combinations of rods and reels
- Casting Reel combinations of rods and reels
- Fly Reel combinations of rods and reels
The classification of the rod indicates the type of reel that must be used with it, So;-
-A spinning rod is used with a spinning reel
-A casting rod goes with a casting or spin-cast reel,
-A fly rod is used with a fly reel.
It is very important that you match your rod to the correct reel. If not it is very likely it will affect your ability to reel in anything you catch and the chances of being laughed at by any nearby pros is also a possibility!
Therefore since we recommended a spinning reel as the best reel for trout fishing, we will recommend the spinning rod as the best rod for trout fishing.
If you would like to try a rod that is not mentioned here, a good tip is to check with the information that comes with the rod as to which reel best matches it.
Features to Look For in a Rod
As with the reels, it’s important that the rod you decide to use is able to do all the necessary things required for successful trout fishing.
- A spinning-type rod
- Two-piece blank or four-piece if you plan on backpacking.
- A minimum length of 6 to 7 feet or according to your preference.
- A test range of 4 to 10 pounds is ideal but ranges of 2 to 6 pounds and 6 to 15 pounds are fine too if this is what you are more comfortable with. Check the handle of the rod, it will tell you its range.
- Light to medium-light stiffness, you may need to ask the retail about this, as it generally isn’t printed on the rod.
- A Medium-fast to fast action, choose this according to your preference and what you are comfortable with.
Remember that, whichever rod you choose, it will need to match your reel.
It is also important that you choose your equipment according to your fishing style, before considering the stylishness of your shiny new fishing gear!
Picking The Best Line For Trout Fishing
Once you have your reel and your rod, are ready to choose your line. A good strong line will give you additional support in helping you put up those record-breaking trout!
The retailer where you buy your reel should have a variety of lines for you to choose from.
If they are a good retailer, they will spool the line onto your reel very quickly for you. Depending on the kind of line you select, most retailers will not charge for the service.
Features to Look for in Fishing Line
Fishing lines are quite straightforward pieces of equipment. Its function is simple so there are not a whole lot of elements involved to confuse you. Having said that, it is important that the line you choose has the following features at the minimum.
- Monofilament
- 4 to 8 lb test
- Lower diameter
- The line should be limp
You may also want to consider fluorocarbon or a braided line. Both cost slightly more than mono but generally offer a few advantages.
Fly Fishing for Trout
Fly fishing is a method of fishing that allows you to present very small light baits on conventional spin-casting equipment. When fly fishing for trout, you will use larger rods and a fly line that can float flies in a way that imitates insects and larvae -some of the trout’s favorite foods!
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to
Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing
Although some experienced fishermen might have developed their own styles, there are many different techniques to fly fish.
We will outline 3 of the most common methods. Each method imitates different prey that trout respond well to. The way each method retrieves is different according to its size and the depth of the water it is being used in. Some skilled fly fishers are able to identify the types of larvae and insects in the environment and tie them to flies to match exactly.
Dry flies are very small insects. They can be found floating above the surface of the water and look like they are actually on the water. You can try to imitate the dry fly by hovering your fly bait very close to the surface of the water. Use a pattern that imitates a midge fly, by drifting over a rifle toward an area of deeper water.
A nymph is a kind of fly that sinks below the surface. Nymphs copy the behavior of larvae and other aquatic insects at this developmental stage. Trouts react passionately to this kind of food. Some anglers recommend that you try to replicate the nymph to whatever larvae that are active that day.
Streamers are larger fly that often looks like a minnow or similar larger baits. They also sink or suspend in deeper layers of water. This kind of fly fishing bait works well for saltwater fishing too.
Tips on Catching More Trout
Below are some general tips and guides we have gathered from both experienced and professional anglers. Incorporate these into your methods and you will be enjoying successful fishing trips every time you set out.
Use a light line. Do not underestimate the importance of using a fishing line that is as light as it is strong. Make sure you invest in a good quality line that will be able to competently pull up your fish, without being too heavy. A light line in the 2 to 4 pound-test class, is perfect for trout fishing. Anything thing less than this will eventually lead to disappointment!
Make Sure Your Bait Makes Scents! Trout are predatory fish and have a very powerful sense of smell as part of their arsenal. So try to use scented baits whenever possible. Make sure you check that the regulations of the area you are fishing in allow you to catch a lot more fish!
Buy Bright and Light Baits. Trout also has very good eyesight. Anything bright or light in color will attract its attention. We have even heard of someone who once caught a trout with a reflective chocolate wrapper! So when you’re selecting your bait for trout fishing, make sure you choose the baits with the brightest or lightest colors that move about and make themselves seen.
Trolling on The River! Trolling is a technique where an angler will use 1 or more 
rods to lure in fish by drawing it through the water. They might rig it to their boat while it’s slowly moving or simply swing the line side to side while the bait is submerged in the water. The trolling technique, when fishing for trout allows you to cover more water. Covering more water means more chances of making a catch!
Keep it Moving. Stimulate trout’s predatory instincts by using lures and baits that move a lot. Choose a bait that imitates the movements of trout prey in the wild and you will be sure to get a bite. Also, it’s not only your bait that needs to keep moving -you do too. Go where the fish are so you don’t have to depend on them coming to you. So when you are fishing on a shore or a boat, it’ll help if you keep that in mind. Consider using a float tube, a kayak, or waders to increase your mobility when on shore try changing positions and offering your bait from different angles.
Still Fishing This is when we fish from a single position. It is also called ‘soaking a bait.’ When fishing with this method movement is still important and can still be achieved, using the right bait. Live bait such as a nightcrawler or any bait that floats up off the bottom will create enough movement to gain interest.
So even when you are fishing from a single spot such as a shore or an anchored boat, creating even just a little motion will ensure you don’t leave it empty-handed.
Use Tech Gear Modern technology has provided some very clever devices that can identify depth, dropoffs, old streambeds, and many other places that trout like to take cover in. In lakes, Trout-like edges and currents. Use polarized glasses or similar kinds of fishing optics or sonar to help you make locating trout a breeze. If you have no idea where to start, visit your local fishing retailer and ask an expert.
Do Not Be Seen and Do Not Be Heard Trout have their own predators too and can be quite wary of unknown objects. If they see you or your boat, the chances of it hanging around, let alone taking a bite at your bait are very unlikely. Always try to approach a stream or lake edge as quietly as you can. Keep a low profile and try to cast some distance from the water’s edge. Big trout can sometimes be found in water that’s only inches deep, so take care when approaching.
Fish Out of Hours Experienced anglers know that the best times to catch fish are early in the morning and later in the evening. The hours when the sun is just rising provide the perfect conditions for trout fishing. The low light created by the sun setting brings out the insects. Trout usually comes to the surface during this time to feed on the various flying and floating bugs.
Using fishing methods such as ‘fly-and-bubble’ is perfect for those times of the day, as the trout respond well to these water-weighted plastic bubble baits. Trout tends to move into feeding lanes in the currents of streams and rivers as well as coming closer to shores in Stillwater areas such as reservoirs and alpine lakes.
Cold Weather Fishing. Fishing for trout in the winter months will be different from the methods used to fish in warmer months because the trout behave differently.
When you are fishing for trout in cold weather, it is important to remember that the lower temperature of the water will slow the metabolism of the trout right down.
They may not be as willing or even able to chase after their food as quickly as they are able to in warmer months. For this reason, it is recommended that you use an intermediate or sinking line to get your fly down to where the fish are located.
You will need to use a slower retrieve, to give your bait and the fish more of a chance. A figure-of-eight style of retrieve is a good idea to steadily inch your fly through the water. This is one of the best methods to use in these conditions.
Cold Weather Baits. Natural aquatic invertebrates tend to be small at colder times of the year. The hook-shaped flies -chironomids, are still active in the winter so make use of smaller and dark buzzers instead of the bigger ones we tend to use in the summer months.
Keep in mind though, that with trout, it’s good to be flexible! So feel free to experiment with your bait in the wintertime, remember that trout do like a variety of foods.
Wrap Up On The Water! In your hurry to get out to the water, don’t forget to wrap up warm. Temperatures can be considerably different outside your house than it is on wide open water. To be able to enjoy your fishing trips it is important to be warm and comfortable, especially as we tend to feel colder as time passes. Make sure you keep your extremities (that’s your head, hands, and feet) well insulated. Keep your core well padded as this will help to keep the rest of your body at a comfortable temperature.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to
Bow River Troutfitters
Fishing in the Sun. As with winter fishing, your fishing methods during warmer months will need to be adaptable in order for you to be able to catch the sometimes sluggish trout!
When fishing on a lake don’t fish too shallow. Trout will usually be found at a minimum depth of at least 2.5 meters. They will need to stay at least this depth to continue to be in the cool water they need during the summer months.
Find the Thermocline. When fishing in the warmer seasons, it is very important to be aware of the effects of the thermocline.
A thermocline is a phenomenon that occurs when the upper layers of a lake’s waters are warmer than the lower layers. Thermocline will then develop when the layers of water separate into several more layers. The lowest level of the water will become filled with rotted decaying matter, which also depletes the environment of oxygen.
This sounds terrible for the creatures living in the lakes, but it’s great for our anglers!
Thermocline is a magnet for trout looking for easy meals. The conditions of a thermocline are perfect for trout because of its lower temperature and distance from the warmer waters above.
Finding your closest thermocline is not as difficult as it might seem. If your local lake does not provide its fishermen with the current depth of its thermocline there is a way for you to test for it yourself.
To do this, you will need at least 3 lures of different lengths. Cast these lures to the different depths of the waters and begin to drag them slowly through the lake. You should quickly be able to tell the level of the thermocline as that is the lure that will get the most bites.
Conclusion
Every angler has their tried and tested styles and favorite methods for catching fish. The tips and guides provided here should serve to enhance all of your trout fishing expeditions. Having said this, remember that every fishing experience is unique and can be unpredictable. So we encourage you to feel free to customize and personalize these guides and soon you will be able to provide us with some new and interesting ways to fish for trout.
