Trout Fishing Techniques

Anyone who spends time trout fishing knows how challenging it can be to consistently catch larger, more experienced trout. Sure anyone can go out and catch 8-12 inch planted trout all day, but consistently catching larger trout can be much more difficult. This is where an article like this comes in handy.

After more than 25 years of trout fishing I've learned a couple of techniques that will assist any angler in catching more (and bigger) trout. These techniques have worked well for me and I know they will work equally well for you. Both of these trout fishing techniques are best utilized in the flowing waters of a small river or stream, but can be easily modified for other trout waters as well.

Both of these techniques are effective and they are listed in no particular order.

1. Working A Pool - One of the most effective techniques that I've used for trout fishing is to work a pool effectively. Most trout fishermen don't effectively "work" a pool when fishing for trout. You want to take your time and work all area's of a pool. Pools are usually the deepest water in a river. You should begin by working the top layer of the water and add spilt shot every 5 or 6 casts to get you offering deeper until it finally rolls along the bottom. Different angles produce different drifts, so you want to slowly work your way along the pool starting at the top and working your way downstream.
2. Working The Bottom - This technique is best utilized in riffles and runs (as well in the latter part of fishing a pool). This technique utilizes live worms and gang hooks. This may be one of the best trout fishing techniques that you ever come across. Start by tying a small barrel swivel onto your line. Then attach a set of pre-tied gang hooks. Split shot sinkers are added for weight above the barrel swivel. The number and size of split shot will vary with the depth of the water and current flow. A live worm is then added to the gang hooks. This rig is then cast parallel to the current, your bail is closed, and your offering is allowed to drift naturally with the current. The goal is to have your worm "bounce" along the bottom during the drift. With practice you'll easily be able to distinguish the difference between the bottom and a trout biting.

These two techniques will help you catch more and bigger trout. The most important thing to remember when it comes to fishing is to have patience. I know that sounds obvious, but that doesn't mean that it's any less true. My trout fishing mentor was known to have the patience to fish the same hole or area for upwards of 2 hours without a bite. This might sound excessive, but many times resulted in trophy trout. If the area that you're fishing looks good, have the patience to fish it thoroughly.