Trout Fishing Using Live Bait

When to use what and why.

OK....I've talked about lures, time to talk about live bait. Live bait has always been considered a more natural alternative to lures. I guess because worms and insects were around before lures.

But, here is something most people don't know. I can combine the use of live bait and lures. I'll get to that later. Just remember, the smaller the fish, the smaller the bait to use.

As an example, "Red Wigglers" or "Composting Worms" make good bait for smaller mouth fish. Inasmuch as they are a small bait themselves, they are usually sold in three or four dozen quantities.

The "basic" live bait for trout though is the good old earthworm or night crawler. Being much larger, I will cut them to size.

Grasshoppers also work well. I insert the hook right through their abdomen so they wiggle can still wiggle. 'Wiggling' bait helps attract fish. The more wiggling the more my grasshopper will be noticed.

Speaking of wiggling bait....when I talk about trout and what they will strike? Brook Trout will strike the darker end of the worm most often, while Rainbow prefer the lighter end. But Brown trout don't care or seem to have a preference at all. They will strike either end of a worm in spite of it's color presentation. 

One small point....when I cut these worms? I use the smaller pieces to disguise my hook by sliding them "end on," on my hook. If I don't, trout WILL see the hook and quite possibly pass up that meal. I even use worms on my lures sometimes (I'll talk more about that later) Trout do indeed have great eyesight.
 

Another great bait is the common garden slug. I know what you're thinking right about now....eeeewwwww those things are icky and slimy! While that's true, they still make an excellent early morning bait. Another plus....they WILL stay on your hook when other baits may slide off. Just a thought, just a thought.

Next up: More Live bait and their uses.

Fishing Lures Part 2

Understanding trout first will enhance your success

To understand "where" to fish for them means you must understand trout. Trout convert oxygen into energy for their bodies. If you understand this, then you can understand where to fish for them. So start with the simple point...oxygen.

For this part, you want to look for areas that contain high levels of oxygen. What are those areas? They are where the current feeds into pools or even deep water. Now, that doesn't always guarantee trout are there, just that it is a likely spot to start from. Anyplace where the water has been tumbled or mixed up is a good place to start. Trout have excellent eyesight and keen bodily senses, so they can feel your presence even before you are there. Just standing in the water is an alert. Now that you have a basic idea of ­where you'll be fishing, we will move to lures. 

Lures are meant to imitate the bait fish in the area you are fishing. Earlier, we talked about lures and what they are made of, now is the time you might want to listen up. What it is made of is not nearly as important as if it resembles the bait fish of the area.

Arguably, if you have ever been in a fishing store or even a big box retailer, you have found yourself stunned and held frozen by the vast numbers of choices. Let me see if I can sort some of that out for you. First, what is the bait fish of the area you are going to? Don't know? Grab a fishing guide book from the area you intend to fish and read up. For me personally, I like Storm Wildeye Fishing Lures, but I will talk about that more later. 

For example, if the bait fish is silver in color, you look for a silver blade lure or bait fish lure and so forth. But remember..... one or two different styles won't do, choose a variety to take, just don't go overboard. That sounds like a confusing statement doesn't it? "Find the color of the bait fish in the area, but buy a variety of lures." It's not confusing at all.

The biggest reason you want a variety, is because the fishing conditions may change during the day, or even before you get to the lake or river. If that happens you may find yourself swapping lures several times before you find the right one. Sunlight conditions can vary, weather can vary, current speed and water clarity can change, so it only makes sense to be prepared.

Next up: Live Bait and when to use it

Fishing Lures

What to use and why

So.....you don't know the difference between a lure and live bait.  When you finish this post, you will. We'll start with  fishing lures: The 'explanation' of what lures are, is quite simply, something man made that appear to look like fish prey. There are a variety of things they are made from, but choices of such will come later. Right now all you need to know is that they are "artificial," trust me on this part. 

Live bait on the other hand, is the fish's natural prey. You know what I am talking about, worms, insects, small fish and even fish eggs. These are then attached to the hook to draw your fish in. What to use and why will be explained., so ­before you race out and just buy anything, it's time to learn the "type" of bait or lure you will need.

Agreeably, most everyone has their tried and true method for "their" fishing hole or for fishing for the type of fish they like. Trust me, I am no different. But understanding fish makes the type of lure or live bait used, a matter of interpretation.

For instance, did you know that native fish (or wild natural fish) tend to strike on different baits than "planted" fish, maybe better known as hatchery raised fish. These fish are planted each spring by the Fish and Game department. (or whatever the name is of the department that provides the fish stocking for your state).

In my mind, trout are the most beautiful of all freshwater fish that can be caught. They are found in some great natural settings, man made settings and some animal created settings that nature has to offer. To understand how to catch them, let's make it easy to understand. 

Trout respond to a wide variety of baits, depending upon  what the water temperature is, whether they are hungry or not, if they are spawning or even if it's night or day. You just need to know the what's, why's, when's and where's and you can find yourself pulling in the fish when no one around you is. 

Next up: Fishing lures and their uses

Fishing Tips and Where to Fish

The places I fish when fish are actively feeding

When trout are actively feeding, I fish for them in three places in a stream. The Pocket, The Pool and The Run

The Pocket
When I'm fishing in pocket water, (a 'Pocket' is  is a small area located in the rapids) It's easy to spot, as it's usually the calm water located behind a boulder or tree or something in the water's path.  I target that area right behind the rock or tree or whatever it is, because trout love areas like this. They are lazy feeders for the most part and the pocket provides shelter. It's that 'Holding Spot' I mention sometimes. Trout try to not work so hard for a meal.
So....I cast my bait upstream, (but inline with the current), thus allowing my bait to drift along the edge of the slack water. No bites? I cast back upstream and drift the other side. After I have worked both sides, whether I have pulled a fish or not, I  work my way into the pool area.

The Pool

I usually fish at the lead or tail edge of a pool. What is a pool you ask? Well, it's any area of the stream where the water is slower and deeper than the rest. The leading edge is where the ripples feed into it and the trailing edge is where the ripples begin again. Anything in between is "The Pool."

If I plan to fish a pool, I clip a couple ounces of weight on my line to get my bait down. Now to get my bait into the leading edge of the pool, I cast upstream (inline with the current) and allow the bait to be carried into the pool by the current.

I fish the tail of the pool a wee bit differently though. To fish the trailing edge requires more finesse. Since the tail end or trailing edge is shallower, it requires me to use a little more stealth to catch fish. So, I cast  into the middle of the pool and allow my bait to drift into and through the tail section.  By starting in the middle of the pool, your bait has less time to drop and you are less likely to get hung up on snags.

If you haven't mastered casting yet, one trick I have learned, is to use half the weight necessary and sort of drift my bait through the entire pool, just in case there is anything on the bottom. Fish tend to hold up around sunken logs and rocks in a pool and I like to work these areas over too before heading for the run.

The Run
I like to fish runs with a good lure or spoon. In case you don't know what a run is, a run is an area where the stream flow narrows. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, but mainly it's caused by the features on the bottom of the stream, or by the the stream banks.               
It's normally deeper than rapids, but not as deep as a pool. I still drift my bait through the run. The tough part, is learning how much weight to put on my lure to be able to get a good drift. One trick I use, is to use a bobber to aid me. I find that fish will often hold near any structure in the run, so the bobber is 'my advantage.'.

Remember, in all three of these spots, you are only going to get one, maybe two passes before you move on. If by the second pass and you haven't even gotten a nibble? Move on, the fish already have. 

Well, that's it for today, thanks for the read and remember...Stay safe out there and I'll see you on the trail.

Trout Fishing Tips

Insider tips

When fishing for trout in streams, as I said before, I always work my way upstream (against the current) first. Why you ask? Simple. Trout are wily and you must be craftier to outsmart them. I use this technique for easily spooked fish. Trout face into the current when laying up in a pool or slack water of any kind.  The reason for this is that they are lazy feeder's. They look for any type of food coming down the stream. I learned this trick one summer when my job was counting fish for the Fish and Wildlife Department.  

As I would work my way along the streams, fish would scatter, making my job all the harder. An old guide I met, told me that my shadow across the water was alerting fish to my presence. That if I wanted to trick them, I could do so by being on the opposite bank from the sun. That way the sun was in my face, putting my shadow behind me rather than across the stream. I could come up to the fish and easily count them. From then on, my fish counting became easier and I apply the same technique when fishing.

To this day, I wear camouflage clothing. If you don't have any, don't worry, you don't have to go out and buy any. Just wear "natural colors," nothing bright of any kind in clothing or hats. It just makes sense to gain any advantage. 

When I am in the water, I move slowly upstream or down. I try to disturb the water as little as possible. Again, the fish are sensitive to movement, sound and water pressure changes from our presence in the stream.

If you recall my earlier short story about fishing for Brown's in Eastern Oregon? Well, they are a fish that are easily spooked. Remember the simple trick I used, walk on the side of the stream with the sun in your face so that you leave no shadow across the water? It works.
 

I wear Polarized glasses when wading and for seeing fish in their holding areas. When I fish upstream I start by using a fast bait like a spinner or a competitive bait fish lure. The Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow lure works great for this. But the real reason I use faster baits and lures, is because it allows me to cover a lot of water quickly and to catch the most aggressive fish first.

Depending upon the terrain and time of day, I will fish upstream for about an hour or even an hour and a half, no more. The reason is simple. If I stay longer than that, I will be forced to wade across the stream when the sun direction changes. Thus, once again alerting the fish to my presence. At any rate, when I turn around and go back downstream, I change bait and tactics. 

For the return trip, I slow down, to go after those fish I missed. I use baits like a worm or a small jig or even my Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow lure. I find that slower baits work well for those fish I spooked on my first pass upstream. Now, you're probably asking how the Storm Minnow can be used both upstream and down? 

It's all in how you present the lure. Going upstream, you are casting upstream quickly into a pool and letting the bait drift through. Looking only for the really hungry or aggressive fish. But, when going back down stream, you are in control of the current and drift speed. Take your time to go over the pools a bit slower this time. You will need no weights, as you can control the sinking or the rising of your bait or lure, by tugging or not tugging against the current 

Using these techniques and tricks will pull those lazy fish out of a hole when you normally might miss them. They have had time to settle down since your first pass, and are more likely alert for slow moving or opportune food coming their way. Trust me, it works every time if done correctly.

Tomorrow, a brief description of some of the common terms you will hear or places you will fish in and how to fish them.

Trout Species

Trout Species (con't)

Brown Trout

Brown trout were originally thought to have been  introduced from Europe in the 1880's, but scientist's have found them as far away as Greece. Like the Brook trout, Browns can be found in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes but, they are able to withstand warmer water temperatures than their contemporaries, the Brook trout.

Talk to most anyone who fishes for trout and they will tell you, brown's tend to be a smarter fish and more challenging to catch that a Brook or even Rainbow trout The Brown is considered a medium-sized fish but their actual size is dependent upon the habitat they grow up in. They have been known to live up to 20 years in the wild. But this alone depends upon their habitat for their eventual survival.

As a rule, Brown trout don't normally feed until late in the day and sometimes, not even until the early evening hours. But when the weather cools down? They will feed at any time of the day. The bigger Browns though are smarter and tend to feed under cover of darkness.

In my own experience, I have caught Brown's in shallow streams in the middle of nowhere in Eastern Oregon, using a variety of baits and/or lures. Now, depending upon the time of day, Browns can and will strike whatever drops into their pool. But remember, from experience, I can tell you, there is no way you can pull more than two and generally only one Brown out of a hole they are swimming in. They are indeed a crafty fish.....and they learn.

Trout Species

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are considered native to the Pacific Northwest and again are members of the Salmon family. In fact, Steelhead and Rainbow trout are from the same species and are often called Salmon Trout. Rainbows can be found in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds pretty much the same as Brown trout, because like Brown's, they can withstand warmer water temperatures. Steelhead however are their ocean going cousins.

Many people think of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout as being from the same family, but it is far from true. DNA studies conducted show the Rainbow trout is a relative to the Pacific Salmon and that Brown trout is genetically like an Atlantic Salmon. How's that for a knowledge rocket?

 

As for what they feed on? A Rainbow will strike and eat anything. They are not selective eaters at all. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise? Take it from me it's only a legend......

Rainbow trout eat just about anything. That's why the Storm-WildEye-Minnow is such a stand out lure. Smaller Rainbow trout feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. Larger Rainbow trout feed on other fish. The Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow is a great lure for either size Rainbow.

Ultimately, your success using lures can depend on a variety of factors. To include: water temperature, water clarity, what kind of plant life is there, etc. All of the above can change through the day. So here's a quick pointer about some common lures. If you're going Rainbow trout fishing in the spring, then spinners are the choice. Spinners movement through the water resemble the bait fish, chub. Also to be considered, "Spoons" for the cast and reel crowd and finally jigs for those with more experience.

Buy a Storm-Wild-Eye-Minnow....use it.

Next up....how to fish a stream

Trout Species

Trout Species

Brook or Speckled Trout

Today, I want to talk a bit about the different species of trout. The Brook or as it is sometimes called, the Speckled Trout. Some folks call them "Square Tails because they are considered a member of the Salmon Family. These trout are generally considered to be the native fish of eight states: Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia, but have shown up throughout the Appalachia's.

The coloring of a Brook Trout is green on brown but with a marbled pattern along it's sides. This coloring extends to the tail. You will also see red dots along the flanks and each of these red dots are surrounded by blue circles. The Brook is actually quite a beautiful fish. 

But, for the inexperienced fisherman? They think they have caught a Rainbow Trout. The reason is, the belly of a Brook and it's lower fins are reddish in color. An experienced fisherman knows it's not a Rainbow trout though.  

The reddish or orange color of the bellies of the males, changes when they are spawning. This coloring making them readily identifiable as a Brook and not a Rainbow.

In my next post I will be talking about  Brown and Rainbow Trout. Until then, you can check out a guide on secrets of trout fishing if you like. Please remember: stay safe out there, and I will see you on the trail.