Splake trout are produced when a female Lake trout mate with a male Brook trout. These hybrid trout are mostly man-made and were originally developed to enhance trout fishing opportunities in Canada.
Like most hybrid trout, splake trout tend to grow faster and survive longer. Splake feed heavily on crustaceans and insects during early life, and other fish later in life. Because these trout tend to school, if you find one, you're likely to find others.
Since splake trout are a hybrid between brook and lake trout, they tend to have characteristics of both species. Their tails are slightly forked (but not as much as lake trout), and their spots tend to be whitish or slightly pinkish.
Unlike many hybrids, splake trout are able to reproduce and while they prefer the gravel beds usually used by brook trout for lake spawning, in the absence of these it will use the boulder shoals favored by lake trout.
Splake are usually mature in their third year of life and their spawning period falls closer to that of the brook trout in late October or early November.
In addition to Canada and the Great Lakes, you'll also find splake trout in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
By the way, in case you were wondering, the largest splake trout, currently on record weighs 20 pounds 11 ounces (9.38 kg) . It was caught in Georgian Bay Ontario Canada in 1987 by Paul Thompson.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Fly Fishing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Do you have a boy scout in the family? If so, you might want to help him earn the Fly Fishing Merit Badge.
This badge was created in May 2002 to give youth an opportunity to learn about fly fishing, tying flies, and about fishing conservation.
To earn the badge, scouts must demonstrate knowledge about fly fishing, safety, and respect for the environment and fish. After demonstrating how to tie fly fishing knots, they'll also have to rig a fly rod, demonstrate casting techniques and catch two fish!
The actual list of requirements for the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge are:
- Explain to his counselor the injuries that could occur while fly-fishing and the proper treatment, including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, and heat reactions. Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm. Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fly-fishing.
- Discuss how to match a fly rod, line, and leader to get a balanced system. Discuss several types of fly lines, and explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
- Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a fly rod for fishing:
- Tie a backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot.
- Attach backing to fly line using the nail knot.
- Attach a leader to fly line using the needle knot, nail knot, or loop-to-loop connection.
- Add a tippet to a leader using a double surgeon’s loop or blood knot.
- Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot.
- Explain how each of the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, and poppers. What does each imitate? Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement.
- Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly consistently and accurately using overhead and roll cast techniques.
- Go to a suitable fishing location and make observations on the types of insects fish may be eating. Look for flying insects and some that may be on or beneath the water’s surface. Look under rocks. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.
- Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace and how it positively affects fly-fishing resources.
- Obtain a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what you accomplish by following them.
- Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to fishermen. Tell how the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a fishing enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
- Using the fly-fishing techniques he has learned, catch two different kinds of fish and identify them. Release at least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook another fish.
The Boy Scouts also have a regular Fishing Merit Badge. To learn more about it click here.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Trout Fishing in Utah
Utah is one of those Southwestern states that provides anglers with many trout fishing opportunities and species of trout. And Utah trout fishing is excellent in some spots right now - especially in Weber River, Long Park Reservoir, and Fish Lake!
In Utah, anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, tiger trout, and splake trout.
Utah also has an extensive urban fishing program (referred to as community fishing). These lakes and ponds give families a place to spend the day together without a lot of planning and effort. For many kids, these lakes are withing walking or riding a bike distance. Some of these lakes and ponds are designated kids and handicap fishing only.
Want to know where the current hot fishing spots are in Utah? Now you can find out on Utah's Division of Wildlife web site. They have a cool interactive map that pinpoints hot fishing spots in Utah!
On January 1st, 2007 some of the fishing regulations changed in Utah - so be sure to check them out before you go fishing.
In Utah, anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, tiger trout, and splake trout.
Utah also has an extensive urban fishing program (referred to as community fishing). These lakes and ponds give families a place to spend the day together without a lot of planning and effort. For many kids, these lakes are withing walking or riding a bike distance. Some of these lakes and ponds are designated kids and handicap fishing only.
Want to know where the current hot fishing spots are in Utah? Now you can find out on Utah's Division of Wildlife web site. They have a cool interactive map that pinpoints hot fishing spots in Utah!
On January 1st, 2007 some of the fishing regulations changed in Utah - so be sure to check them out before you go fishing.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The 2nd Annual World Sea Trout Fishing Championship
In 2006, Norway invited folks from all over the world to participate in a Sea Trout Fishing Championship on the River Vefsna. This year, they're doing it again.
The 2nd Annual World Sea Trout Fishing Championship will take place August 9th -12th, 2007. In addition to the fishing competition, there will be a festival (The Sea Trout Festival Vefsna).
This year there will be more activities during the festival days – seminars, exhibitions, Fly fishing show and courses in fly fishing for children – and for women. And for those interested in art – on Friday August the 10th the “Galleria Art Festival” is opening, with art exhibitions and a lot of art activities.
The Sea Trout Fishing Championship is limited to 48 participants, so you'll want to register now.
The 2nd Annual World Sea Trout Fishing Championship will take place August 9th -12th, 2007. In addition to the fishing competition, there will be a festival (The Sea Trout Festival Vefsna).
This year there will be more activities during the festival days – seminars, exhibitions, Fly fishing show and courses in fly fishing for children – and for women. And for those interested in art – on Friday August the 10th the “Galleria Art Festival” is opening, with art exhibitions and a lot of art activities.
The Sea Trout Fishing Championship is limited to 48 participants, so you'll want to register now.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Trout Fishing in Iceland
Iceland offers some great sea trout and brown trout fishing. It's also a premiere salmon fishing destination! June to September are prime salmon fishing months in Iceland.
The trout season in Iceland starts in April. Most folks fish for sea trout size which average 3-4 pounds, but quite often anglers will get some 15-20 pounders. Local anglers most often use streamers or tubes, but bait is also used.
Best rivers to fish in April is on the south coast of Iceland. Almost every river on the south are packed with sea trout.
In May we anglers start fishing for brown trout. Almost every lake in Iceland has brown trout but in the last 2-3 decades the arctic char is dominating the lakes.
There are three trout rivers in Iceland that hold trophy size brown trout: The River
Minnivallalaekur, River Upper Laxa in Adaldal and Litlaa. The size of the brown trout in those river can get up to 20 pounds but the average size is 4-6 pounds.
Streamers are often preferred in the early season when it's cooler, and dayflies when it gets warmer.
The trick to fish for these trout's is light weight rod #4- line #6. Most anglers prefer dayflies sizes 14-18.
It is a great challenge to hold a wild brown trout of maybe the size of 12 pounds on a 6" rod with line #4 and a 4-6 pound leader.
For more information about fishing in Iceland visit, http://www.salmon-club.com.
The trout season in Iceland starts in April. Most folks fish for sea trout size which average 3-4 pounds, but quite often anglers will get some 15-20 pounders. Local anglers most often use streamers or tubes, but bait is also used.
Best rivers to fish in April is on the south coast of Iceland. Almost every river on the south are packed with sea trout.
In May we anglers start fishing for brown trout. Almost every lake in Iceland has brown trout but in the last 2-3 decades the arctic char is dominating the lakes.
There are three trout rivers in Iceland that hold trophy size brown trout: The River
Minnivallalaekur, River Upper Laxa in Adaldal and Litlaa. The size of the brown trout in those river can get up to 20 pounds but the average size is 4-6 pounds.
Streamers are often preferred in the early season when it's cooler, and dayflies when it gets warmer.
The trick to fish for these trout's is light weight rod #4- line #6. Most anglers prefer dayflies sizes 14-18.
It is a great challenge to hold a wild brown trout of maybe the size of 12 pounds on a 6" rod with line #4 and a 4-6 pound leader.
For more information about fishing in Iceland visit, http://www.salmon-club.com.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
6th Annual World Youth Fly Fishing Championships
Last week, I mentioned the World Fly Fishing Championships, now the World Youth Fly Fishing Championships deserves a mention.
The Youth Fly Fishing Championship is scheduled to take place August 3- 10 at Pennsylvania State College. This is the first time the competition will be held in the U.S.
In addition to Team USA, there will be a second American team, dubbed "Team Pennsylvania".
Competing anglers will fish for trout on two sections of Spring Creek, the Little Juniata River above Spruce Creek in Huntingdon County, and Fishing Creek near Lamar in Clinton County. Anglers will also fish for trout and warm water species on Lake Perez at Stone Valley (previously known as Stone Valley Lake).
According to the official rules, trout over 200 mm (about 8 inches) will score 100 points, plus 20 points for each centimeter. A trout of 19 inches would score a lot of points for the competitor and often makes the difference between winners and losers.
For more information about the 6th Annual World Youth Fly Fishing Championship in Pennsylvania, click here.
To see the final results of the competition, click here.
The Youth Fly Fishing Championship is scheduled to take place August 3- 10 at Pennsylvania State College. This is the first time the competition will be held in the U.S.
In addition to Team USA, there will be a second American team, dubbed "Team Pennsylvania".
Competing anglers will fish for trout on two sections of Spring Creek, the Little Juniata River above Spruce Creek in Huntingdon County, and Fishing Creek near Lamar in Clinton County. Anglers will also fish for trout and warm water species on Lake Perez at Stone Valley (previously known as Stone Valley Lake).
According to the official rules, trout over 200 mm (about 8 inches) will score 100 points, plus 20 points for each centimeter. A trout of 19 inches would score a lot of points for the competitor and often makes the difference between winners and losers.
For more information about the 6th Annual World Youth Fly Fishing Championship in Pennsylvania, click here.
To see the final results of the competition, click here.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Free Trout Fishing Clinic in Nevada
If you live near in or near Reno, Nevada and have ever wanted to learn to trout fish, here's your chance.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will be conducting a free, trout fishing clinic on the Truckee River on Saturday, July 28. This clinic is geared toward the beginner fly fisher (you must be at least 10 years of age to attend).
A parent or guardian must accompany all children. Kids age 12 and up are required to have a valid Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp. The clinic class size is limited to 20, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants are requested to meet at Mayberry Park in downtown Reno (bring your own tackle) . The clinic will be held from 8 a.m. until about noon and pre-registration is required.
Instructors will demonstrate reading water, and basic spinning and fly fishing techniques for trout.
If you're a true beginner and don't own your own tackle yet - you can get a rod/reed combo at your local Wal-Mart or sporting goods store which is already strung. If buying a spinning rod/reel, pick up a some size 12-14 treble hooks, snap swivels, and jar of powerbait or worms (and extra spool of 6lb - monofilament test line is helpful too).
If buying fly rod/reel combo, you'll need a few flies and some premade leader/tippet (someone at the store should be able to help you - just make sure you tell it's for trout fishing).
To register or for information, call NDOW Aquatic Education Coordinator Chris Vassey at 688-1622 during regular business hours.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will be conducting a free, trout fishing clinic on the Truckee River on Saturday, July 28. This clinic is geared toward the beginner fly fisher (you must be at least 10 years of age to attend).
A parent or guardian must accompany all children. Kids age 12 and up are required to have a valid Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp. The clinic class size is limited to 20, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants are requested to meet at Mayberry Park in downtown Reno (bring your own tackle) . The clinic will be held from 8 a.m. until about noon and pre-registration is required.
Instructors will demonstrate reading water, and basic spinning and fly fishing techniques for trout.
If you're a true beginner and don't own your own tackle yet - you can get a rod/reed combo at your local Wal-Mart or sporting goods store which is already strung. If buying a spinning rod/reel, pick up a some size 12-14 treble hooks, snap swivels, and jar of powerbait or worms (and extra spool of 6lb - monofilament test line is helpful too).
If buying fly rod/reel combo, you'll need a few flies and some premade leader/tippet (someone at the store should be able to help you - just make sure you tell it's for trout fishing).
To register or for information, call NDOW Aquatic Education Coordinator Chris Vassey at 688-1622 during regular business hours.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Catch and Release Tips
Fish populations are declining in many waters due to increased fishing pressure and environmental conditions. To help mitigate this problem, some trout waters are designated as "catch and release" only.
Even in waters not designated as catch and release, many anglers still release their catch in an effort to preserve wild trout stocks.
Below are some tips to help you release your catch and ensure the fish's survivability.
Even in waters not designated as catch and release, many anglers still release their catch in an effort to preserve wild trout stocks.
Below are some tips to help you release your catch and ensure the fish's survivability.
- Land the fish quickly (the longer the fish fights, the more stress is placed on it)
- Don't reel the fish up on shore or let it flop around on land
- Handle it as little as possible (so as not to remove the protective slime)
- Don't drop the fish on the shore, boat, or dock
- If possible, remove the hook while the fish' head is still underwater
- If taking photos, lessen the fish' time out of water as much as possible
- If the hook is stuck, cut the line as close as you can to the hook (in most cases, the fish will digest the hook and be fine)
- Don't release a tired fish - make sure it is strong enough to swim away before releasing
- In streams, release the fish in calm water so the fish needs less energy to swim away
- To review a fish, move the fish slightly forward in the water to force water through the gills
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Vermont's Wild Trout Waters Threatened
Vermont is well known for it's wild trout fishing. But the recent discovery of algae threatens the survival of these trout.
This isn't the ordinary algae, the kind you find in your fishing tank. This algae, officially called, Didymosphenia geminata (or Didymo, for short) is an invasive, river-clogging algae known to damage trout fisheries in New Zealand and elsewhere. Didymo is also sometimes referred to as "rock snot".
A fly fishing guide discovered the problem while fishing on Connecticut River in Bloomfield one day. He had seen the stuff before, and so recognized it instantly. He brought a sample for testing and scientists confirmed his suspicion.
Biologists last week confirmed the algae's presence in two locations six miles apart on the White River in Royalton, Bethel and Stockbridge.
Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to kill the algae completely (for many reasons). But anglers can help lessen the spread by disinfecting their gear and clothing (including boats and rafts).
Other problems (such as whirling disease) are also spread the contaminated boats and fishing gear and clothing. So it's a good idea to disinfect your gear, clothes and boats after every fishing trip - no matter where you live!
For more on the story and tips on how to disinfect your fishing gear and clothes, click here.
This isn't the ordinary algae, the kind you find in your fishing tank. This algae, officially called, Didymosphenia geminata (or Didymo, for short) is an invasive, river-clogging algae known to damage trout fisheries in New Zealand and elsewhere. Didymo is also sometimes referred to as "rock snot".
A fly fishing guide discovered the problem while fishing on Connecticut River in Bloomfield one day. He had seen the stuff before, and so recognized it instantly. He brought a sample for testing and scientists confirmed his suspicion.
Biologists last week confirmed the algae's presence in two locations six miles apart on the White River in Royalton, Bethel and Stockbridge.
Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to kill the algae completely (for many reasons). But anglers can help lessen the spread by disinfecting their gear and clothing (including boats and rafts).
Other problems (such as whirling disease) are also spread the contaminated boats and fishing gear and clothing. So it's a good idea to disinfect your gear, clothes and boats after every fishing trip - no matter where you live!
For more on the story and tips on how to disinfect your fishing gear and clothes, click here.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
New Inflatable Fishing Vest Offers Comfort & Safety
There are certain dangers inherent with wading in a river. And although most of these dangers are obvious to some, others are often overlooked.
Underwater rocks are slippery and are easy to trip over. Wearing felt-soled shoes will provide better traction on slippery rocks. But if you trip and fall, you could be swept away by the current (depending on the river and other factors).
One of the best ways to protect yourself against this danger is to wear an inflatable fishing vest. Most river anglers wear fishing vests anyway to hold their gear. So why not wear an inflatable fishing vest for added personal safety?
In the past, finding a vest fishing vest packed with features that was comfortable was a problem. But no longer is this case.
Mustang Survival has been making personal flotation devices for years in an effort to save more lives. The Bass Competition Inflatable Life Vest is one of their more popular products.
Their newest product for 2008 is a unique fishing vest that looks good, is full of useful features, and can be manually inflated if needed! And it's great for all types of fishing (not just fly fishing).
Called the "F3" (for Form, Functionality, and Flotation), this new inflatable fishing vest offers a comfortable relaxed fit, a soft neoprene ComfortCollar™ and a mesh back for circulation and cooling. It also has more pockets than other inflatable fishing vests.
You can check out the entire list of features for the Mustang F3 Inflatable Fishing Vest by clicking here.
Underwater rocks are slippery and are easy to trip over. Wearing felt-soled shoes will provide better traction on slippery rocks. But if you trip and fall, you could be swept away by the current (depending on the river and other factors).
One of the best ways to protect yourself against this danger is to wear an inflatable fishing vest. Most river anglers wear fishing vests anyway to hold their gear. So why not wear an inflatable fishing vest for added personal safety?
In the past, finding a vest fishing vest packed with features that was comfortable was a problem. But no longer is this case.
Mustang Survival has been making personal flotation devices for years in an effort to save more lives. The Bass Competition Inflatable Life Vest is one of their more popular products.
Their newest product for 2008 is a unique fishing vest that looks good, is full of useful features, and can be manually inflated if needed! And it's great for all types of fishing (not just fly fishing).
Called the "F3" (for Form, Functionality, and Flotation), this new inflatable fishing vest offers a comfortable relaxed fit, a soft neoprene ComfortCollar™ and a mesh back for circulation and cooling. It also has more pockets than other inflatable fishing vests.
You can check out the entire list of features for the Mustang F3 Inflatable Fishing Vest by clicking here.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Scotland Will Host 2009 World Fly Fishing Championships
It's official - the 2009 World Fly Fishing Championships will be hosted by Scotland.
More than 25 countries over seven days of competition are expected to participate in this fly fishing event in Stirling and Perthshire.
Although this even has been hosted by the U.K. before, it's the first time for Scotland. The fly fishing event was held in England in 2000 and 1987 and in Wales in 1990. It was also held in Galway, Ireland in 1995 (which is not part of the U.K.).
For more information about the 2009 World Fly Fishing Championship, please visit EventScotland.org (more information will be posted as it become available).
More than 25 countries over seven days of competition are expected to participate in this fly fishing event in Stirling and Perthshire.
Although this even has been hosted by the U.K. before, it's the first time for Scotland. The fly fishing event was held in England in 2000 and 1987 and in Wales in 1990. It was also held in Galway, Ireland in 1995 (which is not part of the U.K.).
For more information about the 2009 World Fly Fishing Championship, please visit EventScotland.org (more information will be posted as it become available).
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Yellowstone River Open July 15th for Fishing
Come July 15th, the famous spring creek stretch of the Yellowstone River will be officially open for trout fishing!
Yellowstone River is home to the famous Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. Unfortunately, these trout populations have been declining due to competition from Lake trout (which are not native to the river).
There are some fishing regulations you should be aware of. Fishing tackle must be non-toxic (this means lead split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing and other toxic tackle are not allowed).
A special fishing permit is needed to fish in Yellowstone Park. Current fees are $15 for a 3-day pass; $20 for seven days, or $35 for a season permit. You can purchase this permit at a ranger station, visitor center or at any Yellowstone General Store. As always, fees are subject to change without notice.
A Wyoming fishing license is required for fishing in the Grand Teton Park and Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. These licenses can be purchased at Moose Village Store, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Marina and Flagg Ranch Village.
Good luck fishing!
Yellowstone River is home to the famous Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. Unfortunately, these trout populations have been declining due to competition from Lake trout (which are not native to the river).
There are some fishing regulations you should be aware of. Fishing tackle must be non-toxic (this means lead split-shot sinkers, soft lead-weighted ribbon for nymph fishing and other toxic tackle are not allowed).
A special fishing permit is needed to fish in Yellowstone Park. Current fees are $15 for a 3-day pass; $20 for seven days, or $35 for a season permit. You can purchase this permit at a ranger station, visitor center or at any Yellowstone General Store. As always, fees are subject to change without notice.
A Wyoming fishing license is required for fishing in the Grand Teton Park and Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. These licenses can be purchased at Moose Village Store, Signal Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Marina and Flagg Ranch Village.
Good luck fishing!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
8 Sure-Fire Trout Fishing Tips
This is a great time of year to be enjoying the outdoors. But as nice as the weather is, trout fishing can be challenging during summer months.
Trout Fishing Tip #1 - Take the kids to a Trout Farm
Many states have trout farms that kids can fish in. These farms raise trout specifically for kids to catch them - so they're very easy to catch! But kids will still feel the same sense of excitement and accomplishment as if they had caught the trout in a big lake!
Most of the trout farms provide tackle and bait for free - and you only pay for each fish you catch. And most trout farms have picnic grounds complete with grills so you can grill your catch on the spot!
So kids can catch their trout and then share it with the family on the picnic grounds. This the best way to start teaching kids about trout fishing.
Trout Fishing Tip #2 - Fish the lake on the day it's stocked
Every state has a Game and Fish Department, although they might be called something different. And the stocking schedule is usually posted on the web. You'll want to find it and print it.
Knowing the stocking schedule in advance will help you plan when to take the kids fishing. Stocked trout come from local state hatcheries. They've been raised and fed in pens. When released in lakes, they tend to spend the first day or two near the shore and will anything offered to them. This is when they're easiest to catch! In fact, the majority of trout are caught the same day they're released.
Taking the kids fishing on the day the lake is stocked will greatly improve their chances of catching them - and the more trout they catch, the more interested and excited about they'll be about fishing!
Even if you can't get to the lake the day it's stocked, go the next day or the day after that. Trout are still fairly easy to catch within a day or two of stocking.
This tip especially true in warmer summer months. Trout are cold blooded fish - which means they like cool water. Most trout actively feed when water temperatures are between 50 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Once water temperatures get above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, trout start concentrating on survival rather than feeding. Water is usually cooler in early morning and early evening hours.
These are also the times that insects are out flying. So trout will normally be near the surface of the water feeding on them.
Trout love these things, and being picky eaters, you never know which one they'll like on any given day.
PowerBait comes in a variety of colors and it's a good idea to have a couple of colors on hand. One day trout are famous for liking one color over another one day and not touching it the next.
My favorite colors are rainbow (with sparkling glitter), chartreuse, and pink and white. I've had the best luck with these colors over the years.
One of the problems with bait fishing is that by the time you get the bait on your hook, you've also transferred your human odors to it - which in turn can turn trout off. Adding a bit of trout attractant to the baited hook can help fix that problem.
You can also add trout attractant to your leader and lures. Every little bit helps!
You can buy trout attractant in any sporting goods store and even Wal-mart.
The sun heats the water, so if it's hot outside, you know water temperatures are rising. Trout can't survive long in water that's above 70 degrees Fahrenheit they'll have to find cooler water. This means they'll often head for deeper water. If you have a boat, this is the time to use it. Some lakes have boats you can rent.
In most lakes, the deepest part is either in the center of the lake or near the dam. This is where you want to steer your boat. You'll have to fish deeper to find trout. And unless you have a fish finder, this is a process of trial and error.
When trout are in deeper water, finding them can be difficult. Using a fish finder is often critical to finding trout in these conditions.
Many birds feed on trout (such as Eagles and Comorants). If you watch them closely, you'll see them swoop down and grab trout. In essence, they're showing you where the trout are!
Go fishing on the day a lake is stocked, and you'll see swarms of comorants flying over an area of water. This is where the trout are. Try fishing this area of the water, and you’re very likely to catch trout!
Trout Fishing Tip #1 - Take the kids to a Trout Farm
Many states have trout farms that kids can fish in. These farms raise trout specifically for kids to catch them - so they're very easy to catch! But kids will still feel the same sense of excitement and accomplishment as if they had caught the trout in a big lake!
Most of the trout farms provide tackle and bait for free - and you only pay for each fish you catch. And most trout farms have picnic grounds complete with grills so you can grill your catch on the spot!
So kids can catch their trout and then share it with the family on the picnic grounds. This the best way to start teaching kids about trout fishing.
Trout Fishing Tip #2 - Fish the lake on the day it's stocked
Every state has a Game and Fish Department, although they might be called something different. And the stocking schedule is usually posted on the web. You'll want to find it and print it.
Knowing the stocking schedule in advance will help you plan when to take the kids fishing. Stocked trout come from local state hatcheries. They've been raised and fed in pens. When released in lakes, they tend to spend the first day or two near the shore and will anything offered to them. This is when they're easiest to catch! In fact, the majority of trout are caught the same day they're released.
Taking the kids fishing on the day the lake is stocked will greatly improve their chances of catching them - and the more trout they catch, the more interested and excited about they'll be about fishing!
Even if you can't get to the lake the day it's stocked, go the next day or the day after that. Trout are still fairly easy to catch within a day or two of stocking.
Trout Fishing Tip #3 - Fish during early morning or early evening hours
This tip especially true in warmer summer months. Trout are cold blooded fish - which means they like cool water. Most trout actively feed when water temperatures are between 50 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Once water temperatures get above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, trout start concentrating on survival rather than feeding. Water is usually cooler in early morning and early evening hours.
These are also the times that insects are out flying. So trout will normally be near the surface of the water feeding on them.
Trout Fishing Tip #4 - Take worms, PowerBait, marshmallow, cheese and corn for bait
Trout love these things, and being picky eaters, you never know which one they'll like on any given day.
PowerBait comes in a variety of colors and it's a good idea to have a couple of colors on hand. One day trout are famous for liking one color over another one day and not touching it the next.
My favorite colors are rainbow (with sparkling glitter), chartreuse, and pink and white. I've had the best luck with these colors over the years.
Trout Fishing Tip #5 - Use trout attractant
One of the problems with bait fishing is that by the time you get the bait on your hook, you've also transferred your human odors to it - which in turn can turn trout off. Adding a bit of trout attractant to the baited hook can help fix that problem.
You can also add trout attractant to your leader and lures. Every little bit helps!
You can buy trout attractant in any sporting goods store and even Wal-mart.
Trout Fishing Tip #6 - Keep an eye on outdoor temperature
The sun heats the water, so if it's hot outside, you know water temperatures are rising. Trout can't survive long in water that's above 70 degrees Fahrenheit they'll have to find cooler water. This means they'll often head for deeper water. If you have a boat, this is the time to use it. Some lakes have boats you can rent.
In most lakes, the deepest part is either in the center of the lake or near the dam. This is where you want to steer your boat. You'll have to fish deeper to find trout. And unless you have a fish finder, this is a process of trial and error.
Trout Fishing Tip #7 - Use a Fish Finder
When trout are in deeper water, finding them can be difficult. Using a fish finder is often critical to finding trout in these conditions.
Trout Fishing Tip #8 - Watch the birds
Many birds feed on trout (such as Eagles and Comorants). If you watch them closely, you'll see them swoop down and grab trout. In essence, they're showing you where the trout are!
Go fishing on the day a lake is stocked, and you'll see swarms of comorants flying over an area of water. This is where the trout are. Try fishing this area of the water, and you’re very likely to catch trout!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Tying Fishing Knots Just Got Easier
Every fly fisher knows that having a knot tying tool is essential to tying some of those of fishing knots. It's nearly impossible to tie a nail or blood knot without one.
And some knots like the double nail knot are almost never tied anymore due to difficulty.
But while there are knot tying tools on the market you can buy, they all seem to lack versatility. They tie some knots, and not others. This frustrated one fly fisher so much that he finally designed and created his own fishing knot tool.
It's called, the Winder and it was developed by a man named Chris Miles. Chris loves fly fishing and making his own custom leaders - and as luck would have it, is a machinist by trade. Combining both his skills into one, he created the most versatile fishing knot tying tool currently in existence.
You can now tie all your fishing knots with one simple tool. You can quickly and easily tie all of these knots and loops with the Winder:
One of the things that make this tool so easy to use is that you can clamp it to your line (making things much easier to handle).
Another great feature is that this comes with an instructional DVD - so you can learn how to use Winder and tie all the knots mentioned above (you won't find that with other tools you buy in sporting good stores).
The Winder definitely gets top ratings in my book! You can read more about this amazing fishing knot tying tool by clicking here.
And some knots like the double nail knot are almost never tied anymore due to difficulty.
But while there are knot tying tools on the market you can buy, they all seem to lack versatility. They tie some knots, and not others. This frustrated one fly fisher so much that he finally designed and created his own fishing knot tool.
It's called, the Winder and it was developed by a man named Chris Miles. Chris loves fly fishing and making his own custom leaders - and as luck would have it, is a machinist by trade. Combining both his skills into one, he created the most versatile fishing knot tying tool currently in existence.
You can now tie all your fishing knots with one simple tool. You can quickly and easily tie all of these knots and loops with the Winder:
- Blood Knot
- Nail Knot
- Double Nail Knot
- Improved Clinch Knot
- Albright Knot
- Surgeons Knot
- Surgeons Loop
- Perfection Loop
- Dropper Loop
- Strike Indicator Loop
- Snell Hook
One of the things that make this tool so easy to use is that you can clamp it to your line (making things much easier to handle).
Another great feature is that this comes with an instructional DVD - so you can learn how to use Winder and tie all the knots mentioned above (you won't find that with other tools you buy in sporting good stores).
The Winder definitely gets top ratings in my book! You can read more about this amazing fishing knot tying tool by clicking here.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Fishing Knots for Fishing Reels
There are a lot of different knots used in fishing - especially, if you're a fly fisher. Different knots are often used to tie line to your fishing reel, leaders to your line, hooks to your line, etc.
Anglers using spinning reels often use a double overhand knot to tie their monofilament line to their fishing reel. And there's nothing wrong with since it's rare to run out of line when spin fishing. However, it can be a bit difficult to get the line around the spool tight enough so it will reel.
Fly fishers usually use the arbor knot to tie backing to the fishing fishing reel (backing is added before the fly line).
The arbor knot is very simple to tie and be used on fly and spinning reels. Follow these steps to tie your backing or monofilament line to your fishing reel:
For more information about tying fishing knots, click here.
Anglers using spinning reels often use a double overhand knot to tie their monofilament line to their fishing reel. And there's nothing wrong with since it's rare to run out of line when spin fishing. However, it can be a bit difficult to get the line around the spool tight enough so it will reel.
Fly fishers usually use the arbor knot to tie backing to the fishing fishing reel (backing is added before the fly line).
The arbor knot is very simple to tie and be used on fly and spinning reels. Follow these steps to tie your backing or monofilament line to your fishing reel:
- Wrap the line around the reel
- Make an overhand knot around the line
- Make another overhand knot at the tag end of the line
- Pull the lines tight (the small overhand knot in step 3 will hold the line in place once you cinch the knot in step 2 tight)
For more information about tying fishing knots, click here.
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