trout fishing basics

There are many different great locations for trout fishing as well as many different species of trout. So as you plan your trout fishing adventure make sure you have the current information on size limits and catch limits as these can vary from state to state and from different water lakes, rivers and streams. You can get the current state fishing regulations from your state agency guidebooks or online at huntnfishregs.com. From this site fishing maps are available.  Idaho is one of the many states that has a lot of locations for trout fishing. You can find there state regulations online at huntnfishregs.com

Trout fishing can be tricky . Trout behave differently in lakes, rivers and streams, which often pose many challenges for anglers. Some of the best lake fishers struggle to catch trout in rivers and streams - and vice versa.

Not only do trout behave differently in lakes compared to rivers and streams, but different species of trout also behave a bit differently. And wild trout offer far more challenges than hatchery trout.

And if those weren't enough challenges, you also have geography, elevations, temperature, seasonal, and other factors - all of which affect your ability to catch trout.

Some folks are able to master a lake, river or stream in their area and then find themselves challenged after moving to another state. For some, it's almost like starting over!

Did you know there are at least 8 different common species of trout as well as several different hybrid and subspecies of trout?

There's rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, golden trout, bull trout, apache trout, gila trout, and lake trout - to name a few. Then there are common hybrid trout such as tiger trout, splake trout, brookinaw trout, brownbow trout, bowcutt trout and more.

Great fishermen think outside the box. They're always looking to increase their knowledge and skill. And they'll be the first to tell you that listening to others (experienced and novice anglers) is a necessary skill in achieving that goal, because they may be on to something that you've never heard of or tried before!

Most trout anglers only experience catching rainbow, brown or brook trout. Many never get to enjoy the experience of catching lake, bull, steelhead, speckled or apache trout. What you catch depends largely on where you live. And there's only one place in the world you can catch apache trout - and that's in the White Mountains of Arizona!

Trout are a fish of tradition. Many trout enthusiasts consider the pursuit of trout to be the purest form of fishing. It is the finesse required to entice a trout into striking that appeals to the soul. The trouts have endeared the imagination of anglers for centuries.

There are 5 primary trouts distributed throughout the US. They are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters than the brookies.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

The rainbow trout originally found in the Rockies and west to the Pacific ocean has been distributed far and wide across the US. It tends to do better in the northeast but is found in isolated areas even in the south. In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn.

Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is similar to rainbows. However in winter the steelhead seem to prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Cutthroat Trout
Salmo clarki

Cutthroat trout call the great northwest home and flourish in these mountain streams that eventually drain into the Pacific Ocean. It too can be taken on flies as well as other baits and lures. It also feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms.

Cutthroat trout fishing is a western angler favorite on big, fast-moving waters. Fly fishing is the preferred method but they can be caught on any number of minnow or grub imitating lures as well as live bait.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are the native trout of the US, originally found throughout areas with cold clean water, preferably waters which never exceed 68 degrees. As civilization invades its cool shady forest areas it causes the waters to warm and the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts are fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they get and become more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes in the northern US and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results.

We hope you have a successful fishing trip for whatever species of trout you have decided to fish for. And as always be safe and have fun. Know your facts on fishing regulations for your state by clicking here.