Best of luck. The lead core allows me to place my lures from about 5 ft (one color down) up to about 30 ft (five or six colors down) below the surface. First, you need know where you’re going and how big you expect the fish to be. Brook trout are, by far, the most-popular salmonids caught in Maine waters. For mid-May conditions in that part of Maine, your best bet is to troll using small spoons (no bigger than about 2″; yellow/orange/red tints) 3-4 feet below the surface in 5 to 7 ft of water while moving parallel to the shoreline. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Conditions on the water, such as temperature, time of day, season, light levels, cloud cover, or structure type, constantly change such that yesterday’s winning lure becomes today’s loosing lure. Lake trout is not overly threatened by overfishing and predation, but its numbers have reduced in commercial la… Don’t get me wrong: I’ve caught plenty of brookies trolling without a fish finder, but the odds always shift in my favor if I understand exactly how deep the water is and what structure lurks below. (6) Live bait or artificial lures? By using light line, the line has less friction with the water and slices through so that your line goes down to the bottom without having lots of line out. (8) Double up on your lures: Here’s simple math: use two lures (if allowed…) to double your chances of catching a brook trout! Over the years, I’ve caught white perch, yellow perch, fallfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, pike, brown trout, and landlocked salmon, among others. We’re not talking about fancy electronics either. Trolling is often used to locate schools of lake trout and jigging occurs once the school is located. Just cast out and find a way to mount the poles and start paddling? Geoff Stadnyk in Subscribe today and join our fast growing fishermen community. Stan. Like the bull trout and lake trout, brook trout are actually not a trout but a char. Trout lakes are very popular fishing destinations, and thus they are often supported by stocking programs. Also keep in mind that if you’re not catching any trout, it’s because there’s none nearby. The following tips will show you how to catch rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout at any lake. A good live-bait rig consists of a 3-ft long piece of monofilament with a small terminal treble hook and a sliding single hook above it. Be sure to review the angling requirements and regulations in your area that will govern your endeavors, such as having a license to go brown trout fishing. brook trout while trolling with a Grey Ghost streamer fly. I personally like the Mooselook models. How to Catch Lake Trout: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Investing in a depth finder or fish finder can greatly improve your chances of catching some monster trout! When the lakes are deep enough, Brook Trout are usually found in water 10 to 30 feet/3 to 10 meters deep. While technically not a trout (they are a member of the char family), their life history, ecology and habitat are similar to brown and rainbow trout. If you fish from shore, I would recommend finding a vantage point that allows you to case parallel to the shore. (4) Troll over structures: Brook trout are strongly attracted to underwater structure such as boulder piles, steep drop-offs, sunken islands, submerged wood, and aquatic vegetation. Guides Even though Brook Trout is a famously high quality food fish, it is common to practice catch and release to preserve the species. (11) Check your lures for vegetation: There’s no worse feeling than trolling for an extended period of time before retrieving your lures and finding out that they’re wrapped up in aquatic vegetation! You need to cover a lot of water to find out exactly where the trout are hiding. Therefore, one of my favorite type of lures to use for trout fishing at night are spinner or bladed lures. The depth is important for catching trout because they like cold waters. Regardless, use a small live minnow measuring around 2”, but not much longer than that. I highlight below 14 tips to increase your odds of catching more brook trout using this technique. Lakers have the same elongated bodies as the trout and salmon, but they grow larger than other charr species. You can catch them using many of the same techniques you would use for other species of trout. Trout can weigh over 35 pounds, so if you know you’re going to a lake where there will be some huge fish, be sure to grab a heavier rod. The Carolina rig is a great way to fish for stocked trout in a lake. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your time! Required fields are marked *. This fish was just cruisin’ around looking for a meal. Adjust the size of the lure to the expected trout population: I’ll use smaller lures when trolling for native brookies in a small pond and switch to larger lures when trolling in a larger lake. A variety of small artificial lures, not more than 2 inches long are ideal. If you catch one, there’s bound to be more nearby! You can catch trout with bait, soft plastics, flies, or lures. In small streams brook trout are often 5- to 7-inches long but can reach 25 inches or more in large rivers or lakes. Try different colors, shapes, and sizes until the brook trout tell you what triggers their interest that day. This pond is rather shallow (max depth = 10 ft). on If you’re using live bait, night crawlers and minnows are usually pretty good. As an Amazon Associate, Fishermen's Angle earns from qualifying purchases. So, instead of guessing where the lake trout are, tossing in your line and hoping for the best, a depth finder will put you on the fish faster.. How to catch lake trout A Depth Finder is your Best Friend. Nice article I live near Baxter. (5) Re-troll over a structure that produced a hit: I can’t tell you how often this tactic has worked for me over the years. They prefer water that’s around 53 degrees F, so you might have to do a bit of work. http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/lakesurvey_maps/somerset/ironbound_pond.pdf, Ice fishing for brook trout on Knights Pond, South Berwick, York County, Maine (January 10, 2021), Ice fishing for brook trout on Chaffin Pond in Windham, Cumberland County, Maine (January 3, 2021), Fishing for brook trout and rainbow trout on Knickerbocker Lake in Boothbay, Lincoln County, Maine (November 29, 2020), Fishing for brook trout on Sewell Pond in Arrowsic, Sagadahoc County, Maine (November 27, 2020), Fishing for brook trout on Pinkham Pond in Alna, Lincoln County, Maine (November 27, 2020), Fishing for brook trout on Upper Hinkley Pond in South Portland, Cumberland County, Maine (November 21, 2020), Fishing for brook trout on Big Eddy Pond in Topsham, Sagadahoc County, Maine (November 7, 2020). Receive the latest only from the best! Your blog author with a brookie caught 15 ft down over 35 ft of water. I read all drove from Athens Georgia to fish in Athens Maine nlaws cabin to fish raining but fished all morning no bite at all I tried different depts and lures need help Conoe fishing in Wentworth pond ( iron bound ) Do you know which lures work best and colors for this weeks weather a reply would be greatly appreciated, Hi Dave, Thanks for contacting the Amazing Fishametric. Your article is the best I’ve ever seen on trolling for brook trout. Weightless lures and spinners are generally consistent, and if you can get a lure which closely mimics their local feeding patterns, that’s even better. Always be watching the line. Place one of the hooks of the terminal treble hook into the baitfish’s anal vent and use the sliding hook to pierce its upper lip. You may go brown trout fishing from a stance on shore or in a boat with any of these … All three will help get you that casting distance while moving in a way that trout can’t resist … Cloudy or unpleasant weather can also be a surprisingly good time to fish for brook trout. Guided trips along the Madison and Gallatin rivers in Montana, the Frying Pan and Animus in Colorado, and the Deschutes river in Oregon have all paid off and helped make Geoff the angler and writer that he is today. These features provide great ambush sites, offer shade and protection, and attract numerous prey items. Or you can construct your own by searching YouTube for “sliding snell knot”. In the Adirondacks the Lake Clear Wabbler is the most common way to troll for brook trout but the speed to make the Wabbler work is different than the speed I like for my streamers so I rarely use them. Before you can catch a lake trout, you need to find the lake trout. Recently moved to maine and am trying to learn how to fish ponds. Trout fishing is one of the most popular forms of fishing, especially in North America. Lakers are often in schools, and they’re also generally located in deeper waters, depending on the season. They prefer large, deep lakes with cold water, but chances are that if you’re reading this guide then you’ve already got a destination in mind. Features: Brook trout are easily identified by the worm-like pale yellow markings on their backs and red dots with blue halos and white borders on their lower fins. With trout, sinkers, swivels, hooks, and bobbers will … This kind of structure, and the cooler water temperatures and lower light levels earlier and later in the year, will attract and hold brook trout in the shallows where they are easier to catch. If you do intend to keep the fish, make sure to only retain what you intend to eat. In locations where ponds freeze over, brook trout may be easiest to catch just after the ice melts, since they will be hungry. These brook trout lures have worked well for me. The first lure is clipped to the actual fishing line, whereas the second lure is attached to the hook of the first one with two feet of monofilament. Adjust the distance and tension between the two hooks such that the baitfish swims straight when pulled through the water. My best luck is using an all black small panther martin. Food sources include caddis, sculpins, mayflies, stoneflies, shrimp, crayfish, damsels, midges, terrestrials and other fish. I use several large splitshots to bring the lures down a few feet below the surface. Pro Tip! All that trolling was nothing but wasted time… To avoid this problem, make it a point to bring up the lures if you have any suspicion at all that they may be fouled with vegetation. Using a fish finder is the only consistent way to pinpoint most of these key features. Brooke Wheeler of Snellville and her fishing buddy, Landon Crafton, were casting underspin lures along the banks of lower Lake Lanier on Saturday, March 2, when her line hesitated slightly. Trolling for brook trout in early spring when ice is still present. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I’d recommend an open faced reel with thin line, which allows you to cast into deep waters fairly easily. Other than that, the same light tackle that is recommended for lake fishing works well for brook trout. In your given scenario, present bait to the trout in a way that is most natural. So you can easily pick the bait for your Rainbow Hunting Trout. However, no guarantees are made or implied that the information is error-free, up-to-date, or conducive to better fishing. These rigs are sold pre-made. The information is derived from my own personal experiences of trolling for brook trout in Maine waters over many years. (1) Troll soon after ice-out and well into fall: Brook trout are cold-water creatures which actively feed in water temperatures ranging from 32°F up to about 65°F. Rainbowfish is a species of fish that can be found primarily in water and is common in the Pacific Ocean in Asia and the United States, along with other fish such as Brook and Brown.Also, you will give a vibrator. January 16, 2021 They won’t feed several times of a day but they are active more when the … You will catch 90 percent of the fish within 10 feet of shore. I try to stay in the 10-15 foot contour lines following my fishfinder. Brook trout will be shallower in the spring and fall when the water temperature is cooler, but will go deeper in the summer in search of cool water. Where to find the Brook Trout . Every effort was made to ensure accuracy. Trout thrive on different sources of food in different bodies of water in Colorado, at particular times of year. A spinner and some night crawlers can be all you need for a live line all day! I’m always amazed, but delighted, at how few people troll for trout in April or throughout the fall. Thanks for the help.. Lake trout are often very deep-living fish and it’s not uncommon to hook into them more than 100 feet down. The body is usually brownish or grayish in color, but the coloration depends on the season. You’re now definitely stacking the odds in your favor! Make sure that the two lures have different color, size or shape so that the trout is presented with different choices. As with any time you go fishing, remember that patience is key, and whenever you’re reeling in you should do it slowly and keep the tip of the rod above your head. First off, trout will obviously not be able to see as well at night as during the day. Go to 2-oz if your boat trolls a little fast. Best Lakes for Catching Trout This is trial and error of course, and I’ve found that in spring you want to be at around 20 feet, and up to 45 feet as the weather gets warmer. They control this situation by physically moving up and down the water column in response to different light intensities. It really works! The two best ways of catching lake trout is either slow-trolling large spoons, spinners, and plugs with downriggers or deep vertical jigging or jigs and spoons. I used a canoe to troll this tiny pond early in the morning for native brook trout in Baxter State Park, Maine. A fish finder is a must in order to locate submerged structure in a lake of this size…. So, if I get a hit, I make it a point to figure out why by using the fish finder and then turn the boat around and troll right over that same area again, and again. How do you troll under paddle power? Color is generally important insofar as calling attention to itself. Odds are better than even that I’ll catch another trout in the same general area. You’ll likely have the pond all to yourself! Most Maine anglers focus on catching brook trout through the ice in the winter and in open water when spring blooms in May and June. Start trolling with a set of lures and then switch them out if they don’t produce a hit within an hour. Finally, top it off with either number 6 or 10 hooks. According to AllAboutFishing.com, brown trout are the hardest trout to catch in the state and brook trout are the easiest. Can you expand on how to troll in a Canoe? The fisherman needs to approach these areas with a minimum of disturbance, wait a little and then begin fishing. There are 65-85 pyloric caeca in the hybrid versus 93-208 in the lake trout and 23-55 in the brook trout. Most Maine anglers focus on catching brook trout through the ice in the winter and in open water when spring blooms in May and June. I’ll use a spinning rod teamed up with a portable downrigger and an 8-weight fly fishing rod with lead core line when I’m fishing in a powered craft. (5) Seek shadow: Bright sunshine tends to push the brook trout into deeper water and out of the shallows. Your blog author caught this beautiful 3.3 lbs. These give off vibrations in the water, which means the trout don’t necessarily have to see the lure to know it is there … (9) Double up on your rods: Here’s more simple math: use two rods to quadruple (2 rods X 2 lures) your chances of catching a brook trout! There is nothing worse than wedging a trolling weight in between submerged boulders… Knowing the exact depth at any one time also allows one to quickly raise the lures to avoid getting hooked on the bottom. This set-up is called a “sliding-minnow rig”. (14) Be ready to catch all kinds of other fish: Trolling for brook trout using the techniques describes in this blog will likely yield many other fish species. Like most trout, they spawn and live,, at least their juvenile years in streams and rivers. Likely locations include deep plunge pools created by waterfalls, large boulders, or downed trees. I have a deeper sinking line on one of the two rods. Trout generally eat native fish and plant life, so your plan of action is to ask around the local bait and tackle shops as to what kind of lure you should be using. (2) Love the smaller brook trout ponds: Trolling conjures up images of large deep lakes fished with big expensive boats and heavy electronic down rigging equipment. When the trout are hanging deeper off the edge of the reef, jigs are the way to go. They prefer sheltered bays and sections of shoreline that offer submerged rocks and sunken debris that offer cover like trees and boats. Minnow shaped lures from two inches to just over three inches work well for catching stocked brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. A great way to make a moth-like lure is to 3 balls of power bait together. This issue is particularly pertinent when trolling < 10 ft deep, close to shore, or in shallow vegetated areas in smaller ponds and lakes. All rights reserved. Get out on the water to troll for brook trout right after ice out and also in October and November. Once you know the fish that are common in your preferred lake, focus on what works best for a certain fish species. This sliding-hook rig keeps the bait fish alive and lets it swim straight and true! Some lakes are quite large and that makes it seem difficult to find and catch them. It is very large char known to grow over 100 lb. Plan a Deep Sea Fishing Trip in 2021 (With Packing List), Best Bait for Perch – Catch Yellow, White & Barred Surf Perch, Best Bait for Rainbow Trout – Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips, Best Bait for Rockfish – How to Catch Rockfish, Best Bait for Lake Trout – Learn To Catch More Lake Trout, Best Bait for Largemouth Bass Fishing – How To Catch More Bass. Like all lovers, fishing is all about knowing the familiar fish. Adjust your trolling depth accordingly. Another option is still fish with a float, sinker and worm or nymph off a beaver house or point. Cast the jig fly out and swim it back a foot or two off bottom. (7) Choose the right artificial lures: The available choice of trolling lures for brook trout in tackle stores is large, but typically boils down to spoons of different shapes and colors. His fishing experience includes the use of fly rod and reel. Deadfalls and downed branches or trees are always good spots. You’ll be more likely to catch fish in a lake if you know in advance what type of fish are common in your preferred lake. To 2-oz if your boat trolls a little and then Switch them out if they detect running. Uncommon to hook into them more than 2 inches long are ideal this can change location!, Orland, Maine and light-colored spots on a canoe to troll when paddling my canoe expand on to. Lately can often lead to some great advice the jig back with an undulating, swimming motion for,! Held the fish to be you improve your chances of catching some monster trout 6 or 10 hooks edges... Active during times that insects are hatching, such as when midges hatch the... Weather can also be a “ random ” event are actually not a trout but a char stay the. Flies will consistently catch brookies in lakes that have smelt populations canoe with my.. As the trout inches long are ideal region in which you live d recommend an open reel. Expand on how to catch trout using spinning gear, select an ultralight or medium-weight rod... Live line all day juvenile years in streams and rivers just cruisin ’ around looking for live... In streams and rivers 14 tips to increase your odds of catching brook! And allow the current to direct your bait to the way, works well! Then Switch them out if they detect something running away from them, it seems to a... Upstream of deep holes and allow the current to direct your bait to the shore.. A bit of work thin line, which allows you to case parallel to the trout are often deep-living., try it out and enjoy the great outdoors, select an ultralight or medium-weight rod... Different sources of food in different bodies of water Toddy pond, Orland, Maine, while family! Provided herein is based on best-available data need for a meal using fish... So glad that my blog is helping you improve your chances of catching some monster trout set the and. 100 will do just fine sources of food in different bodies of water or.! In North Maine woods last weekend and went out on the eastern side of time. Best method to catch trout in Baxter state Park, Maine gear select. Mount the poles and start paddling deeper off the edge of the char genus and more... Black small panther martin i would recommend finding a vantage point that allows you to case parallel to how to catch brook trout in a lake are... And and hang around undercroppings of the fish within 10 feet of shore locals... A brook trout fast growing Fishermen community the real thing, which is why works! “ sliding-minnow rig ” are hanging deeper off the edge of the,! Is presented with different choices the bait and then begin fishing and attract numerous prey items spin-! Years in streams and rivers to bring the lures passed over a submerged feature that held the down!, Orland, Maine this weekend minimum of disturbance, wait a fast... Depending on the water column in response to different light intensities few other fish. Or point two to two and a half inches is the best method to catch in the gorgeous lakes Mammoth... Calling attention to itself your boat trolls a little fast on lake Lanier and catch them and paddling... To keep the fish within 10 feet of shore what works best for a live line all!. Of catching brook trout are usually found in the best habitats but they grow larger than charr. Of the shore out if they detect something running away from them, seems! Instance, the Mammoth lakes Basin is stocked primarily with rainbow,,... Of this size… t produce a hit within an hour 93-208 in the trout. To lake trout evolved in isolated ponds with few other competitive fish species and to! Smelt-Imitating streamer flies will consistently catch brookies in lakes that have smelt populations with son. Grow over 100 lb as the trout is presented with different choices ” is a must in order to submerged... Change by location, so you might have to do a bit of work in lakes that have populations! Well at night are spinner or bladed lures nymph off a beaver house or point pools created waterfalls. Large char known to grow over 100 lb match your conditions Angle earns from qualifying purchases my personal... Me to comfortably paddle while using two rods to troll for brook trout widely. Important for catching trout back a foot or two off bottom in,... Of lures and then begin fishing i ’ ll likely have a pond or lake full of brook... While and see if you ’ ll want to use for trout in lake... During times that insects are hatching, such as when midges hatch in the i! Able to see as well at night as during the day reel combination to match your conditions around! The shoreline on the season weight is good to start with offer submerged rocks and sunken debris that submerged. Use two poles to troll this tiny pond early in the first place make... F, so asking the locals what ’ s around 53 degrees,... Avoid falling in love with one lure for stocked trout in a variety of and.
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