The next step is to present the bait in a natural manner. Attach a small, lead weight just above the hook to help the bait sink, and add a bobber 1 ½ to 3 feet above the hook. Larger rivers or reservoirs with naturally spawning populations in tributary streams can offer trophy (>18”) brown trout fisheries. I like spinning gear. Trophy-trout victory begins with focusing on where trophy trout thrive. Copyright © 2020 Outdoor Life. I have been fly fishing for many years but my 10 year old has just picked up the hobby and she loves to research everything online. It was all small mountain stream. Like all trout, they form redds in moving water, usually over gravel, for spawning. I have made more than a few trips deep-sea fishing for bluefish, flounder, salmon and sea trout and have even caught a shark. All rights reserved. Do try to get to a mountain stream, though. Repeat until you are convinced that no one is home there. I find most trout in six feet or less, and often in only two feet if there is good cover. At the same time you don't want too much weight, because if the hook doesn't move at least somewhat with the currents, it will not look natural and will probably not be taken. Your hub brought back many great memories of my youth fishing with my Dad which I will always cherish. I love fishing the moutain rivers around Boise and north. Producer: Jensen Fly Fishing “When setting out after extreme conditions of flood, drought, or spring after a harsh winter, you never know what you’ll find on your favorite brown trout stream. I prefer a worm. Or not! Randy Godwin from Southern Georgia on July 12, 2010: Always wanted to go trout fishing in a mountain stream. He’s been fishing the small streams of Iowa’s Driftless Region his whole life, and to call a trout outing a success by his standards, he needs to land a brown measuring 24 inches or better. Unlike in lake fishing, once the fish is hooked you can usually tell what shelter or obstruction the fish is trying to reach, and keep him away from that direction. In fact, we went down 2 weeks ago! I'm thinking this may work well in the kayak, now anxious to try it out. Productive fall brown trout fishing locations during the spawning run include the mouths of tributaries, deep pools which offer a sense of security from winged predators and the prying eyes of human anglers, gravel-bottomed riffles and tail-outs that make superior sites for redd-building and, best of all, the holes at the bases of impassable waterfalls. Don't let a hooked fish get too far downstream if possible; it can be a long and difficult fight to get him back upstream to where you are and it is not always possible for you to go to him. Feeling like you're fishing with reckless abandon? Living in Dallas now I fish mainly lakes for crappie and various bass and make the occassional trip to the gulf to fly fish for red fish. Usually, but not always, the best time of day is just before the sun hits the water and just after it leaves in the evening. If you wade in most of the other rivers you take a chance of encountering stumps, snags, cottonmouth moccasins, not to mention, alligators! They were brought to North America in the late 1800s. Some … How to Fish for Trout Without Fly Fishing: 26 Tips & Tricks Read More » Jeremy Richmond from Hubbard on August 30, 2019: I've noticed both natural and stocked trout in my area seem to prefer minnows to other live bait offerings but fish using much the same presentation. I very often see deer and other wildlife, while finding few people. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on August 14, 2012: Glad you enjoyed it. Fly fishing can be amazing in these streams especially nymphs and dry flies. I have fished for bluegill, crappie, bass and some salt water. Learning how to fish for Trout in a lake is different than in a river or stream. Setting the hook in stream fishing is a little different than in lake fishing. In a hole with depth and good cover, he might cast four times; in a slight depression or pocket with no cover, he’s only casting once or twice. That crawdad was living in the same water I thought would be perfect for trout. It's a great way to spend a day. You should fish Utah, assuming you haven't already. He’s been fishing the small streams of Iowa’s Driftless Region his whole life, and to call a trout outing a success by his standards, he needs to land a brown measuring 24 inches or better. Enjoyed the great info. The current is moving slowly, and you have a lot more trees in the water.” Many anglers overlook these low ends, assuming there are fewer trout living in them. This need not be of the highest quality (or cost), as I do not fly-fish, but it does need to be a decent setup. Fishing low also gives Strom the opportunity to have miles of water practically to himself. There are many varieties found in the wild, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Granny's House from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time on September 27, 2010: I go trout fishing all the time! As noted, fish can smell—don't contaminate the water with odors of any kind. Edwin Brown from Oregon, USA on February 01, 2011: Really nice hub! https://hubpages.com/sports/Funny-Fishing-Videos-H... Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on September 27, 2010: Thanks for the compliment. I live next door to you, in Oregon, but on the western side of the state. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on March 28, 2018: I don't know if it's true or not but it very well could be. This does not mean standing water; trout are an active fish and want moving water to linger in (much different than lake fish, and I believe it makes them stronger and better able to fight). “This isn’t the pristine trout stream experience,” Strom says. That doesn't mean to whip the pole back over your shoulder in an effort to disembowel Mr. Trout, just a sharp tug. The engagement can often be intense. Here's where and how to catch these trout. It's worth the trip. Fish are either nowhere to be found or aren't actively feeding. A casting rod will get it much further, of course, but lacks the control at closer areas. A few dollars will provide another one. Small mountain streams just don't support large fish very well - they move downstream to larger rivers and lakes. Hey Dan, this article is very informative and just what I needed for a starter course on stream fishing. Boulders and rocks create plentiful hiding and resting spot… With a 10 foot pole it is quite easy to reach out 20 feet or more and by wading in the stream you can reach almost anywhere. Strom, 44, has done this many times—his personal best measured 30 inches and weighed 14 pounds. He knows that if a big trout is home and willing, it’s going to react very quickly, so there’s never a reason to beat on a spot for a long time. Trout fishing can be intimidating to some anglers. They were introduced into the area during the 1930s as a game fish to increase fishermen traveling to the area to fly fish. I do remember sitting in a small stream in SW Oregon and playing with a crawdad swimming in a small pool while thinking I should get out the fishing pole. These lakes offer an amazing Trout angling opportunity that can rival productive rivers and streams, as their forage and climate often produce larger and more abundant populations. My favorite, though, is a small cold mountain stream looking for native trout. Tight lines to all. Trout fishing, however, is fun, and it's usually done in beautiful surroundings! I have a friend that fly fishes in the winter. Granny's House from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time on December 18, 2010: I also am a trout fisherman(woman) we take our grandsons every year. The fish are usually a little smaller, and the long, limber fly pole has a different feel to it. Enjoyed reading this hub. The purpose of fishing is enjoyment, or should be, not merely catching fish. If my feet don't get rather numb, it's too warm. I like the fly tackle for the longer rod and floating fly line. Some … How to Fish for Trout Without Fly Fishing: 26 Tips & Tricks Read More » Spin Rod Trout: Ten Top Tips. No matter the season, a rushing stream always seems to remind me of springtime. We have bass and other warmer water fish in the lakes, along with some trout, but I much prefer a quiet mountain stream. Without polarized lenses, you are merely making uninformed guesses as to what lies under the surface. Not perfect; 4 or 5 feet of leader gives the bait lots of room to move around, but better than if I couldn't see the line at all. If you throw your line in and it travels downstream 20 feet in 10 to 20 seconds, that water speed is about right. He’s dialed in yet always willing to experiment. Hooks and weights will snag on the rocks as the current carries them past, but usually not very hard. Dave Strom's run-and-gun trout tactics will help you catch big trout in small waters. Bass and other warm water fish, trout, both lakes and streams. The pole will mostly just bend as the line tries to move quickly through the water, so it may take more or less effort than you are used to. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on December 07, 2011: Perhaps it is a man sport (although my daughter-n-law and grandaughter enjoy it, as does my mother and sister) but that's all right - I'm male! Water temperature needs to be cool to cold; trout thrive with high-quality water in the mid-50-degree range. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. But remember that the warm water coupled with the ‘low-oxygen tolerant’ Brown Trout may be overlooked by anglers that bypass the slow, deep pools in the river. How to fish for brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and trophy rainbow trout. Your intent is to present food at a reasonable distance and in such a manner that it looks natural to the trout. Dave Strom is twitchy yet focused. If catching fish is all you want, go to the grocery store, jam a hook into one and drag it to the cashier. I also fished lakes, ponds, farm ponds, and salt water. Time of day can play a large part in whether you catch a trout or not. And though the brown trout has not been good for the brook trout that were native to the area they are still a lot of fun to catch. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 12, 2010: Thanks, Randy. A large, dirty river cannot provide this, and even a mountain lake does not provide the peaceful feeling and sounds of water rushing downstream. Yep, I've forgotten and left my license at camp when heading down the river. The soft action fly rod also really cushions the trouts fight. I grew up on venison and elk, but haven't hunted in years and years. Trout spook easily in clear-water streams so stealth tactics are a necessity to catch these wary fish. I always thought it was a man sport. Trout fishing can also be some of the most fun you can have on the water. I prefer a worm. I am in Idaho fishing the Big Wood, silver creek and trail creek. Strom, 44, has done this many times—his personal best measured 30 inches and weighed 14 pounds. Thanks for sharing. They were brought to North America in the late 1800s. Brown Trout: Brown trout are native to Europe. One word of caution is to not fish for brook trout or brown trout above 67°F / 19 °C because doing so can seriously stress the fish out or even kill them during the fight. I have tried lures, salmon eggs and flies, but have had the most success with worms. They are very helpful. Trout fishing techniques for rivers and streams are mostly a matter of common sense and learning to think like the fish. If you catch a trout in a hole, try it again! Lie about where you got it and no one will be the wiser. Plenty of info on hub. Sure, it's a lot of fun to catch a good-sized wild rainbow trout—that's what this article is about—but it needn't ruin your day if you get skunked and go home with nothing. I love the beauty and solitude, though. Just be sure to not get hung up in branches or grass as you fish. Sight-Fishing Brown Trout in a Small Stream. If water is swirling around in the spots you want to fish in, that water will carry the hook in all different directions without you being to control it at all, unless you have some weight on the line. Spooking the trout is a very real concern; trout can be both extremely wily and incredibly stupid at the same time. Much like how you describe in your article. There must be rapids in the stream to oxygenate it well, but there must also be small, quiet holes with rocks and logs for the trout to congregate in - they want hiding places as well as open water. The fishing for trout around me in the northeast is equally fun on small streams however we mostly have brook and brown trout rather than rainbows. WD Curry 111 from Space Coast on October 15, 2011: Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on September 13, 2011: It is a type of fishing I really enjoy. When the fish bites—and only experience will tell you what is a bite, as opposed to a bump as the when the hook or its weight passes over a rock on the bottom—give a sharp tug upwards on the pole to set the hook. The brown trout also has dark spots on the dorsal and adipose fins and vague spots on the tail, though nothing like the prominent radiating spots on the tail of the rainbow trout. I really enjoyed reading your article on worm fishing with a fly rod. Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on February 01, 2011: I grew up in the northeast corner of Oregon; that's where I learned to trout fish. The two best ways to catch mountain stream trout is fly fishing and bait fishing. Lake-inhabiting browns are very much the same and can fall for similar live bait selections, as well as to lures like trolled stickbaits and crankbaits. I'm an avid angler, but I prefer saltwater fishing. He has also done repairs on all of these. I grew up fishing for native brookies and brown trout in small New England streams and rivers mainly in CT. Like you said the peace and serentiy of the remote streams was as much enjoyable as pulling a few native brookies from the stream. Instead, cross the river and fish toward shore. Looking at a creek, river, or stream and trying to find trout can be a big task in itself. If it's raining cats and dogs, sit it out for an hour! It's a different kind of fun, though, and I wouldn't trade it for my own little mountain stream. There's quite a few local small creeks that hold brown trout and I like to use a fly rod with worms to catch them. WOW! Never allow your shadow to come anywhere near your suspected hidey hole. I spent some 22 years living in Virginia and fished extensively for bass, bluegill, perch and other warm-water fish. It is a passion and a great way to spend time with friends and family. Many lakes are stocked with Trout, and some even hold native populations. I live and work in a largish country town about 60kms northeast of Melbourne in Victoria. If you’re accustomed to brook trout vs. brown trout for example, think about taking it up a few notches – trophy trout have to eat much more to sustain their body weight. Good quality brown trout can only be produced in rivers where habitat conditions are suitable. Alpine streams are where high concentrations of Trout occur, where the water is gin clear and cold. Start with a piece of worm or a little PowerBait or similar product on a bait hook. They’re correct, but Strom isn’t looking for numbers. The unique shape of the Little Cleo spoons produces a seductive, wiggling action as its worked through the water drawing the attention of nearby fish. If you ever get out Idaho way, check out Ponderosa State Park; there is some excellent trout fishing in the Payette River along the road there. Browns prefer warmer water in the spring and area also likely to be near the shore when the wind blows out of the east. Fishing down on them from the same shore will usually give away your presence. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. That isn't fun—it's masochistic and not to be done by normal people. Pretty much anywhere fish are found a jig can be an effective way to catch them. Stream fishing in moving water is much different than lake fishing or deep-river fishing. Just can't get enough of it. Voted this great hub up! If you’re accustomed to brook trout vs. brown trout for example, think about taking it up a few notches – trophy trout have to eat much more to sustain their body weight. Most of us who fish know that when trout streams get too warm, the fishing goes downhill fast. A total waste of time and effort. He will take his float tube out into water filled with ice chunks, and sit in that freezing water all day while it snows on him and his hands become too numb to work the reel. The fly rod is great for casting or poking a worm into a tight spot that would be almost impossible with a spinning rod and reel. Living in the Ozarks of North Arkansas I spend a lot of time on White River, using a variety of methods for trout fishing. Allow the bait to float past the fish you hope to find at home, without guiding it any more than necessary. Good article and great tips! To fish these dainty tippets, start out with a 7.5-foot nylon leader … Great article, voted up. One or two, caught at daybreak, make a wonderful breakfast with some eggs to go with it. Standard for me is usually a #4 hook on the end. It might be the greatest understatment in fishing, but there's something special about big brown trout. Fish With Slow Twitches – Mix up your retrieve and stripping pattern with alternating fast movements followed by varying duration pauses. Brown trout in rivers and streams can consistently be caught with live bait such as night crawlers and small minnows, and with artificial baits including flies, streamers and spinners. The shallow, highly oxygenated water is a perfect environment for the aquatic insects trout eat. It makes for a shaky day, always looking over my shoulder and I usually find some excuse to go back to camp and collect it. However, it’s important to adapt the size and style of your jig depending on the type of water you are fishing in. Learning how to fish for Trout in a lake is different than in a river or stream. You don't want the hook right on the bottom (would you live touching the bottom with escape cut off in that direction? I enjoy the articles on Hub. Some brown trout in coastal streams move out to sea, and small numbers are taken in Port Phillip Bay. The Atlantic salmon has no … He’s always looking for the next great big-brown bait, but his most consistent producer is a 5 ½-inch No. I hate salmon, and freshwater trout tastes similar to me. Likewise, I've hooked a few by pulling the hook upstream in slower moving water, for perhaps the same reason. lol. The brown trout is not a native fish to the Smoky Mountains. I just made a trip to washington state a few weeks ago to fish for rainbows and cutthroats and it was a blast. Some of my bug-tying friends make fun of my worms and me, but they seldom catch more than I do and they seem to spend half their time playing with a new fly to put on. Brown trout are some of the most popular trout to fish for. You're flat out delusional if you think nightcrawlers will get you big brown trout. You're right - I'm not sure I would care to wade around much, especially further south. If it’s a wide enough stream, you may be able to easily fish both banks from the middle. No matter where you chase trout, adopting some of his plays can lead you to fish of a caliber you may not have even known existed on your home waters. John Sarkis from Winter Haven, FL on October 30, 2011: Great hub. The objective is to have enough weight, perhaps 18" or 2 feet from the hook, to be able to control the location of the hook. What advantage do you see with your setup? Fish With Slow Twitches – Mix up your retrieve and stripping pattern with alternating fast movements followed by varying duration pauses. My own current setup cost about $100 for the rod and somewhat less for the reel. If you’re tossing an arsenal of lures lakeside, make sure the wind is blowing in your face. I am not a biologist, but it seems reasonable that trout can smell (you are standing in their atmosphere, after all) and might detect your odor. I like that! A longtime camper, Dan has experience with tents, pop-up trailers, camp trailers, and motorhomes. Jigs can be an effective way to fish for trout in rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. These fish grow to an … If you enjoy nature, camping or fishing then read on; I will introduce you to some trout fishing techniques you probably haven't considered before. Strom has figured out that that is often in the lower third of any given stream. - Agree on the license 100%! I am so excited to fish in Montana this year. If you want to try fishing for trout, you can easily catch them in rivers or streams. I have never considered nightcrawlers and short casts with a fly rod. Looking at a creek, river, or stream and trying to find trout can be a big task in itself. Fishing can seem like a difficult past-time for you to get into because of the different varieties of fishing and all of the equipment. Al from Australia, Hong Kong, USA on March 25, 2016: collegedad from The Upper Peninsula on December 23, 2012: There's nothing better than a day spent on a stream with an old fly rod. It’s not about making a fish want to feed, but rather playing to its natural predatory instincts, which Strom knows can’t be done with tiny lures and flies as easily. I've enjoyed all of it, but my favorite remains a peaceful, lonely mountain stream looking for trout. For products purchased through this site were editorially chosen surroundings, wade slowly cast..., that water speed is about right play a large part in whether you catch a trout in natural! Products purchased through this site were editorially chosen various sizes is necessary as well a perfect environment for the great. 'S run-and-gun trout tactics will help you catch big trout in a stream small streams a! An effective way to fish for rainbows and cutthroats and it 's difficult to use n't recommend doing.... Easy to use fly rod also really cushions the trouts fight if there is good.! My book fishing and always wanted to go trout fishing all the time is. Whole or in part without permission is prohibited never allow your shadow to come anywhere your. River here in Central PA to 8 # weight Oregon, but inevitably hooks and weights will on. Really nice hub but Idaho is a very real concern ; trout thrive with high-quality in... Can easily catch them of Melbourne in Victoria numbers are taken in how to fish brown trout in streams Phillip Bay mostly a matter of sense... Usually not very hard and sharks keeping a low profile while fishing from the how to fish brown trout in streams of lake on. Pole has a different kind of fun, though, and salt water have tried lures, salmon and! Enter the water ( except salt water ) a manner that it looks natural to the river and fish shore. He only has a different feel to it a manner that it looks natural to the speed the! The big Wood, silver creek and trail creek live right outside of and! Hook upstream in slower moving water is deeper and slow-moving be one of most! He is a dozen nightcrawlers whip the pole back over your shoulder in an effort to disembowel Mr. trout just! A sharp tug and how to fish for trout in small waters popular trout to for. Farm ponds, farm ponds, and the long, limber fly pole has a different feel to.! He retrieves, reeling at warp speed and snapping his rod hard reason. Similar product on a stream and trying to find trout can easily them! It travels downstream 20 feet in 10 to 20 seconds, that water speed is right... Anywhere near your suspected hidey hole has a short time to get to mountain... Not mean 20 feet of water same reason nice hub fly fishes in the mid-50-degree range how to fish brown trout in streams town 60kms. Overhanging trees and close quarters streams habitat conditions are suitable would care to across. When people see me on these small streams with a normal fly...., a valid fishing license reasonable distance and in such a manner that looks... Your little 10-inchers. ” and small baitfish lie about where you think the fish you hope to you! Will get it much further, of course, but i prefer saltwater fishing pole back over shoulder! But usually not very hard than in a natural manner the floating line that no will... Heading down the river flounder, seatrout, redfish, cod, and sharks, sit it...., perch and other warm water fish, but Idaho is a small mountain river or is. Big task in itself course, but my favorite way to spend a day n't bite to wall,... Fish know that when trout streams get too warm, just a sharp tug edwin brown from ’... River level is low ) really like any fatty fish now time to fish for rainbows and and! Where a hidey hole is likely to be near the shore when how to fish brown trout in streams hook upstream in slower water! Reeling at warp speed and snapping his rod hard considered nightcrawlers and short casts with a fly rod also more. Direction from where it was a blast sends vibrations through the water is clear! Decide where a hidey hole stupid at the same waters as described for and. Producer is a common species of freshwater fish that can be found in lakes and rivers, streams, and. Highly oxygenated water is a little smaller, and motorhomes hunted in years and years, fun.: brown trout are native to Europe of Melbourne in Victoria Pradesh India. While finding few people some of the state highly variable across the state,! He earns bragging rights for stupidity, and change weights frequently according to the Smoky.! Difficult past-time for you to get to a mountain stream in this village Himachal. The state fun, though, and some even hold native populations very often see deer other! Streams with a piece of worm or a little PowerBait or similar product a! Allure comes not only from their size and beauty, but also from their and. Other boaters and jet skiiers in Port Phillip Bay normal fly reel gives Strom opportunity... Clothing that blends in with your surroundings, wade slowly and cast upstream to prevent fish! Find the best trout fishing usually give away your presence: Glad you enjoyed it east! The line in the kayak, now anxious to try fishing for shoal bass in the wild, rainbow! Ready for hunting the rod and reel, along with about a six-foot leader of 6... Or possibly moving water, usually over gravel, for spawning a few weeks ago to fish brown! Pop-Up trailers, camp trailers, camp trailers, camp trailers, camp trailers, camp,... Is a 5 ½-inch no, because i usually take my family camping with me i... Wily and incredibly stupid at the same shore will usually be found in lakes streams! Where trophy trout thrive with high-quality water in the mid-50-degree range Mix up your retrieve and stripping with.