Trout fishing in a serene mountain lake is an experience that combines the thrill of angling with the tranquility of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, catching trout in a lake can be both rewarding and relaxing. In this comprehensive guide on how to catch trout fish, we’ll explore the best techniques for fishing trout in a lake, covering everything from tackle to bait and strategies.
Necessary Gears
Before you cast your line, let’s ensure you have the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rods: Opt for a spinning rod with a casting weight between 10 and 40 grams. Aim for a length of 6.5 to 9 feet, rated for at least 8lb line strength. Look for a progressive/medium action to prevent the hook from pulling out of the trout’s mouth during the fight.
Our Recommendation: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod - Reels: Choose an open-face spinning reel between 2500 and 3000 inches. Lightness is essential for maneuverability. Alternatively, consider a free spool-style reel with a second clutch for controlled line release.
Our Recommendation: Okuma Ceymar Graphite Lightweight All Purpose 8BB Spinning Reel -
Line: Monofilament line with breaking strains between six and eight pounds strikes a balance between strength and lightness.
Our Recommendation: Spiderwire SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing line -
Lure:
Our Recommendation: Berkley PowerBait Pre-Rigged Atomic Tubes Fishing Soft Bait -
Hooks:
Our Recommendation: Gamakatsu Trout Worm Hook
Rods
Firstly, selecting the appropriate rod is essential. It’s generally recommended to opt for a spinning rod with a casting weight ranging from 10 to 40 grams. Additionally, ensure that the rod falls within the length of 6.5 to 9 feet and is capable of handling at least an 8lb line strength.
The rod’s action should ideally be progressive or medium, as this prevents the hook from dislodging from the trout’s mouth and helps secure the bait during casting.
Reels
It’s essential to acquire a quality open-face spinning reel, ideally falling within the range of 2500 to 3000 inches. This ensures the reel remains lightweight while still accommodating enough line for various fishing situations across the lake. Investing in the right reel is crucial; otherwise, you risk falling short when you need to cast long distances.
Alternatively, you might consider opting for a free spool-style reel. This advanced reel features a secondary clutch activated by a lever typically positioned at the rear of the reel. This mechanism allows the trout to take the bait freely, pulling the line from the spool under a predetermined tension. Ensure you choose a reputable manufacturer known for producing durable reels that offer consistent performance.
Line
For lake trout fishing, we suggest using a monofilament line with breaking strengths ranging from six to eight pounds. This type of line offers sufficient durability for handling lure fishing and legering techniques while still being lightweight. If you still have confusion, let’s go through on how to choose fishing line weight.
Best Times for Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is both a sport and a science, and understanding the best times to fish can significantly impact your success. Let’s break it down:
Spring: Late spring is widely considered the prime time for trout fishing. As the weather warms up, trout become more active and ravenous. Their metabolism kicks into high gear, making them eager to feed. Additionally, in heavily fished areas, trout tend to be less suspicious during spring, having let their guard down after the quieter winter months.
Temperature and Cloud Cover: Keep an eye on the water temperature. Trout are most actively feeding when the water temperature ranges from 34°F to 67°F. Rising temperatures trigger their hunger. Also, consider cloud cover. Bright sunlight can make trout seek shade to avoid direct light. Fishing under cloud cover or during cooler hours is beneficial.
Time of Day:
- Early Morning: From dawn until about 2 hours after sunrise is the best time. Trout have excellent reduced light vision, allowing them to see better contrasts and depth perception during these hours.
- Late Afternoon: Approximately 3 hours before sunset until dusk is another prime time. Trout continue feeding during this period.
Remember, trout will feed throughout the day and into the night, but early mornings and late afternoons consistently offer the best chances for success.
Tips For Fishing Trout
Trout come in various types, including lake trout, river trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Here are some guidelines tailored to each type:
Lake Trout
- For successful lake trout fishing, consider air and water temperatures. Cooler conditions often yield better results. Utilize a depth finder to adjust your fishing depth according to the season.
- During summer, target lake trout between dawn and 11 a.m., especially in calm conditions with clear skies and high pressure. In early spring, trout are active throughout the lake and feed for longer periods.
- Contrary to myth, lake trout don’t necessarily dwell in the deepest parts of the lake during summer. They often stay suspended in the 53°F thermal layer, following schools of bait fish like White Fish and Suckers.
- With a depth finder, aim to fish your lure or bait between 10 feet and the surface in winter, 35 to 45 feet deep in mid-spring, and 50 to 65 feet deep in late spring. During summer, target the 53°F thermal layer.
River Trout
- Before fishing for river trout, familiarize yourself with regulations, especially for wild populations, which might have stricter rules. River trout fishing differs slightly from lake fishing; consider these tips:
- Popular baits for river trout include live earthworms, salmon roe, and canned corn kernels.
- In smaller rivers, opt for lighter lures unless the current is fast, in which case heavier lures are necessary.
- When casting, always cast slightly upstream to allow your lure or bait to drift naturally with the current.
- In smaller rivers, fish spook easily. Wait up to 20 minutes before fishing a spot again to avoid scaring the fish.
- Adjust your bait choice based on the weather forecast. After rain, use worms; on windy days, mimic insects to match the trout’s likely food source.
