Thursday, January 31, 2008

Winter Trout Fishing Opens Feb. 1 in Newfoundland

The much awaited winter trout fishing season has finally arrived for many Canadians. On February 1st, 2008 the Winter trout fishing season will open in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following details were printed on the Western Star's web site.

This your chance to head to the ice and enjoy some ice fishing. Special trout management zones will be open for winter trout fishing until April 1st, 2008. These include the Middle Brook and Indian Bay River watersheds and Star Lake.

The season for both the Labrador Straits and southeastern Labrador will open March 1 and close Sept. 7. The season in western Labrador is scheduled to close Sept. 7, while the region taking in central and northern Labrador will remain open until Sept. 15.

The daily bag limit for inland and tidal waters of insular Newfoundland, and brook trout in Labrador, for all trout species combined, is 12 trout or five pounds (2.27 kilograms), plus one fish, whichever is reached first. The daily bag limit for Labrador lake trout and Arctic char is two fish per day.

In special trout management areas, the daily bag limit is six trout or two pounds (0.9 kilograms), plus one fish, whichever is reached first.

The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit with the exception of the special trout management areas, where the possession limit is the daily bag limit.

While fishing through the ice, anglers are permitted to use three separate lines which must be closely and constantly attended by the angler.

Keep in mind that trout (even Lake trout) are usually hanging in shallow water this time of year (8 - 15 feet) where there's plenty of food and oxygenated water. Using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler often produces great results when ice fishing for Lake trout. Spoons tipped with bait are also effective.

For more Lake trout ice fishing tips, click here.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Youth Trout Derby at Lake Poway

This Saturday will Lake Poway will be hosting a Youth Trout Derby.

The lake will be closed Thursday and Friday so it can be stocked with 4,000 pounds of rainbow trout (1,000 pounds of which are estimated to be trophy-sized fish for the kids).

Only kids 15 and under will be allowed to fish (no adult permits will be sold until after noon).
Registration starts at 6 a.m. and all kids must register to participate. However, adults may assist youngsters who need help.

There will be a free barbecue lunch and lots of raffle prizes and great awards for kids who win the various divisions with big fish or stringers of trout.

The award ceremony commences at 1 p.m. and features a kids' "Best Fishing Story Contest."

Motor boats will only be rented to adults who have kids entered in the derby.

The lake's shoreline has been restricted somewhat due to damage from the Witch Creek Fire, but there are still plenty of spots on the north and west shorelines.

Also, to prevent the spread of quagga mussels in the lake, anglers are restricted from using live bait such as shiners and crawdads from any source other than the Lake Poway Concession.

For more information, call (858) 668-4770 or the concession at (858) 486-1234. For more information about Lake Poway, click here.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

26th Annual Pool Trout Fishout - Feb 8-10

The 26th Annual Pool Trout Fishout will take place February 8-10, 2008 at Southwood Hallaran Pool (a.k.a. Cindy Hallaran Pool at 1600 Rock Prairie Rd). The event is hosted by the College Station Parks and Recreation Aquatics Division and is a great opportunity for kids and beginners to learn about trout fishing.

There is a $3 entry fee for everyone ages 3 and up. Anglers can bring their own tackle or rent fishing rods for $2 each. Fish will bite on corn, cheese, worms or lures. Please do not use liver, parts of chicken or hot dogs!

The bag limit is five fish per individual. There is an additional $1.50 charge for each fish over the limit.

The pool will be stocked with 1000 lbs. of trout and prizes will be awarded for catching tagged fish.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 8th
6 am - 4 pm: General Public
4 pm - 6 pm: Children 10 years and under
6 pm - 8 pm: General Public

Saturday, February 9th
7 am - 9 am: General Public
9 am - 12 pm: Children 10 years and under
12:30 pm* - 7 pm: General Public

There will be a thirty minute break from 12 pm to 12:30 pm to clean the pool and all patrons will be asked to exit the facility at this time. Any person re-entering the pool for the next session will be required to re-pay the entry fee.

Sunday, February 10th
12 pm - 3 pm: Children 10 years and under
3 pm - 5 pm: General Public

For more information, or to ask about special services (in compliance with ADA), call: Parks & Recreation (979)764-3540 or Southwood Pool (979)764-3787.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

18th Annual Trout Fishing Clinic in Texas

Texas' 18th Annual Trout Fishing Clinic will be help at Fort Parker State Park in Mexia January 26th and 27th, 2008.

This annual trout-fishing clinic is an opportunity to introduce children to the fun of fishing.

There will be Mexia Bass Club members present to teach casting, knot tying, and how to catch fish. Equipment and bait will be provided.

The clinic will be broken up by age groups. On Saturday, January 26th, there will be lessons for kids ages 5-12 from from 9-11 am, 12-2 pm, and 3-5 pm.

Then on Sunday, January 27th kids 13-17 will get their turn from 1-3 pm.

Register your children now by calling Fort Parker State Park between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily at 254-562-5751.

The only charge is an entry fee of $2.00 per adult. Everyone 12 and under is free.

The annual trout-fishing clinic is hosted by the Mexia Bass Club, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Fort Parker State Park.

Monday, January 21, 2008

7 New Trout Records Set in 2007

Last year, there were 18 new trout records set. This year, 7 more trout records were set across the United States.

Colorado gained two new trout records in 2007 - one for Lake trout, and one for Cutbows.
The new state record for Lake trout is 50.35 lbs (44.25 inches). This fish was caught in Blue Mesa Reservoir. The new cutbow record is 18 lbs 8 oz (28.5 inches), which was caught in Antero Reservoir.

Idaho recorded a new state record for brown trout. The fish weighed 27 lbs 5 ounces and measured 37 inches in length. It was caught in Ashton Reservoir in November. The previous brown trout record was 26 lbs 6 oz and 36.5 inches in length.

Kansas also logged a new brown trout record. Caught in May of 2007 in the Mined Land Wildlife Area, this fish weighed 7.68 oz and measured 10.66 inches in length.

Michigan also has a new state record for brown trout (36.81 lbs / 42 inches). This trout was caught in the Lake Michigan. The previous record weighed 34.62 lbs and measured 40.5 inches.

Last, but not least, Wyoming recorded a new state record for tiger trout. The fish weighed 3.33 lbs and measured 22 inches in length. It was caught High Savery Reservoir in November.

And of course, don't forget a new world record for rainbow trout was set in June 2007.

As you can see by the new trout records, this was the year for brown trout! It will be interesting to see what (if any) new trout records will be set in 2008!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Trout Tournament at Lake Pawhuska Feb. 16

The annual Lake Pawhuska Trout Tournament will take place February 16th, 2008. Each year cash prizes are awarded to those who catch the top five heaviest fish and the top five heaviest stringers. Cash prizes are also awarded for anglers who catch tagged fish.

If you pre-register for the event, your entry fee will cost $20. However, you can register on the day of the tournament too and pay an entry fee of $30. Folks interested in pre-registering should contact the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce.

Anglers must have Oklahoma fishing and trout licenses and follow all state and Derby rules, which are available at Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife web site.

For more information, call (918) 287-1208.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

5th Annual Bob McMillen Memorial Fishing Tournament

The 5th Annual Bob McMillen Memorial Fishing Tournament will take place February 2, 2008 at t Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Oak Grover's lake will be stocked with approximately 2,000 lbs. of rainbow trout prior to the event.

The tournament will be open to all ages and feature three competitions:
  • Youth (ages 10 and under),
  • Teen (ages 11 - 17) and
  • Adult (ages 18 and over).
Each competition will measure the individual heaviest weight of one trout caught by the participating contestant. Prizes will be awarded in each of the categories following the tournament. Food will be available for purchase.

Park gates will be open at 6:15 a.m., registration closes at 10 a.m. and the last weigh-in is at 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded shortly thereafter.

There is no registration fee for the event; however, a $3 fishing permit fee and valid California Fishing License is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. There's also a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Participants must supply their own fishing equipment.

For more information, please call San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation at (209) 331-2050. Oak Grove Regional Park is located on Eight Mile Road and Interstate 5 in Stockton.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Trout Fishing for Beginners

Unlike other types of fishing, trout fishing can be a bit more challenging at times - which often results in much frustration. The trick to trout fishing, is understanding trout - their needs and behavior. Once you understand trout, it’s a lot easier to catch them more consistently.

Like people, trout have basic needs:
  • They need to feel secure in their environment from predators
  • They need to be comfortable (that is, water temperatures needs to be comfortable and they need plenty of dissolved oxygen to breath)
  • They need to have a food source
When these needs are met, trout will feed (or be more open to take your bait). When one or more of these basic needs aren’t being met, they'll stop feeding (and you'll have a very hard time catching them).

Trout are cold-blooded fish - meaning they like cool water. They're ideal water temperature is between 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit. When water temperatures get much cooler than this, trout become very lethargic. When water temperatures rise above 70 degrees (as it often does in summer time), trout start to suffocate and die.

Trout also need clean water that is well oxygenated. The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is dependent on a few different factors including water temperatures, currents (i.e., moving water), and underwater plant growth.

Trout metabolism is affected by the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water - which in turn is affected by the factors mentioned above. Maintaining their comfort zone is a huge priority for trout. And when trout aren’t comfortable, they won't feed (and it becomes nearly impossible to catch them).

Since water temperature is largely affected by outdoor temperature, summer months tend to be the most challenging for trout anglers. When water temperatures get high, trout will often seek cooler water temps. Understanding this, will help you know where to find trout.

Security is another big priority for trout. They have many predators, including other fish, animals, and humans. For this reason, trout will hang out in portions of the water that provide them cover from predators. This includes big rocks, logs, uncut banks, and currents (assuming they're not too strong). Understanding this will help you understand where to find trout in rivers and streams.

And lastly, trout will usually be found where the food source is. Trout don't like to work hard for a meal. So they will usually hang out near a good food source. This means you'll have a better chance of catching trout, if you can get your baited hook close to them.

Half the battle in trout fishing, is knowing where to find trout. And understanding a trout's basic needs will greatly increase your chances of knowing where to find them - which in turn will increase your chances of catching trout!

For a more detailed understanding of the principles mentioned above, check out the "Trout Fishing Tips" eBook.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Speckled Trout Fishing Excellent in Tarpon Springs

According to a recent fishing report, speckled trout fishing has really heated up due to warmer water temperatures. Folks in Tarpon Springs, Florida are pulling them in like crazy live white baits, live shrimp, jigs, and crank baits.

For more information, on speckled trout action in Tarpon Springs, click here.

For speckled trout fishing tips, click here.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Litchfield Park Kiwanis Winter Trout Derby

This year's Winter Trout Derby will take place on January 19, 2008 in Litchfield Park, Arizona. The derby will begin at 7 a.m. at Tierra Verde Lake Park and run til 3 p.m.

The trout derby is open to everybody, so bring the whole family. They'll be food, prizes, and giveaways. Bring your own pole and tackle.

No fishing licenses are required for the day, but there is a small fee per person wishing to participate in the derby. Fees are $4 for kids 15 years of age and under; $6 for folks 16 and older. No pre-registration is required.

For more information about the Winter Trout Derby, you can all (623) 935-9040.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

7th Annual Jasper Youth Trout Derby

This year's Jasper Youth Trout Derby will take place on January 12, 2008 between 10 a.m. and noon at the Jasper City Park Pond.

It is a FREE event for youth 16 years of age and younger. No pre-registration is required - so just bring the kids out for this fun fishing event.

Prior to derby, the Jasper City Park Pond will be stocked with 1,800 rainbow trout.

Prizes will be awarded in three different age categories for:
  • largest trout
  • smallest trout, and
  • largest other species caught.
Drawings for additional prizes will take place at the conclusion of the event.

All participants are encouraged to bring their own rod and reels. However, a very limited number of rods and reels will be provided for those who need them.

Fishing bait (earthworms and kernel corn) and tackle (hooks, sinkers, and bobbers) will be provided.

Free hot dogs and drinks will also be served. No fishing licenses are required for youth 16 years of age or younger. The daily bag limit for rainbow trout is 5 fish and participants are welcome to harvest up to 5 trout at the event.

For more information regarding the trout derby, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Management Office at (409) 384-9572 or email inquiries to: todd.driscoll@tpwd.state.tx.us

Friday, January 04, 2008

2008 Fly Fishing Show in Denver

The 2008 Fly Fishing Show kicks off this weekend in Denver, Colorado. You can catch it January 4th, 5th, and 6th at the Denver Merchandise Mart.

Other dates and locations for this year fly fishing show include:
  • Marlborough, MA (Royal Plaza Trade Center; Jan. 18-20)
  • Somerset, NJ (Garden State Exhibit Center; Jan. 25-27)
  • Bellevue, WA (Meydenbauer Center; Feb. 1-3)
  • Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Merchandise Mart; Feb. 8-10)
  • Pleasanton, CA (Alemeda County Fairgrounds; Feb 22-24)
  • Pasadena, CA (Pasadena Center, March 1-2)
The show in Portland, Oregon has been postponed. For more information about this year's Annual Fly Fishing Show, visit the links below:

2008 Fly Fishing Show West

2008 Fly Fishing Show East

Help Preserve Trout Stocks in the U.K.

Interested in helping the Environment Agency preserve trout stocks in the UK? Here's your chance!

The Environment Agency is to look into trout fishing and stocks on local rivers and want to promote a log book scheme. They'd like to find at least 10 Tyne trout anglers who will be prepared to complete log books every time they fish, including catch details, fly life, bird life, etc.

They're also looking for anglers who fish other local rivers. Folks interested in this project should contact Michael Donkin, Ecological Appraisal Officer, Environment Agency, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR, or telephone (0191) 203 4060.

With trout stocks declining on local rivers and trout anglers disappearing from the river banks, it is important that those trout anglers who still fish local rivers give their input to the EA.

Without data there is no proof the stocks just aren’t there. With such light trout angling pressure on the lower main Tyne these days, the river should be full of trout, including lots of take-able fish. This is just not the case.

For recent trout fishing reports in the UK, click here.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Tennessee Urban Winter Trout Stockings

There have been several changes lately to Tennessee's winter trout stocking schedule due to drought conditions.

Lake Junior in Chattanooga was stocked with approximately 3,000 trout on Thursday January 3, 2008. Fishing will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of April. The bag limit is seven trout per day. Fisherman must possess the appropriate fishing licenses.

J. Percy Priest Tailwater (Nashville) is scheduled to be stocked today (4-Jan.-08) with trout. Several other urban lakes are scheduled for stocking on January 9, 2008.

For the current schedule of winter trout stockings, click here.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Trout Fishing Has Improved at Lake Melones

Thanks to heavier winter trout stockings by the California Department of Fish and Game, trout fishing has improved at Lake Melones.

Rainbow trout are hanging in near the shoreline in shallow water. Anglers are doing well on PowerBait (chartreuse or rainbow glitter) and worm-marshmallow combos (floated off bottom using a 18-24 inch leader). Angel's Cove and Glory Hole Point are current hot spots.

Trollers should concentrate on the main lake in the dam/spillway area, or in the mouths of major coves such as Angels Cove, Glory Hole Cove, or Mormon Cove. Trout are being found fairly shallow (up to 15 feet deep). Anglers having the best luck are using shad-patterned lures such as Apex, Needlefish or Rapala Countdowns, and they are not using dodgers or flashers.

North Shore Anglers at Lake Camanche are also reporting good success with PowerBait and Kastmaster lures. This week's trout plant of 1,200 pounds will be split between the South Shore Pond and South Shore launch ramp.