Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 5

Part 5 of the Fly Fishing for Trout video series discusses various insects that trout eat and compares those insects to artificial flies.  It also discusses casting and fishing techniques that help attract trout to your artificial fly.

 

Click the links below to see more lessons in the Fly Fishing for Trout video series:

• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 1
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 2
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 3
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 4

Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 4

Below is the 4th video in the Fly Fishing for Trout series by Gary Borger.  This video covers insects and fly patterns that have been proven effective to catch trout.

Click the links below to see more lessons in the Fly Fishing for Trout video series:

• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 1
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 2
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 3

Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 3

Below is part 3 of the Fly Fishing for Trout video series.  This video lesson covers the basics of roll and overhand casting.  The video also covers the common mistakes made when fly casting.  It also discusses trout feeding lanes and how to fish them.

 

Click the links below to see more lessons in the Fly Fishing for Trout video series:

• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 1
• Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 2

Fly Fishing for Trout - Part 2

A while back we started posting a video series designed to help folks fly fish for trout.  You can view part 1 of the Fly Fishing For Trout Video series by clicking here.

You can watch part 2 of this video series below.  This lesson covers fly casting, cinch knots and more.  You'll how to perform a roll cast as well as fish a section of water in a river. Gary Borger is a master trout angler and does an excellent job of providing help to those wishing to fly fish for trout!

To see Part 1 of Fly Fishing for Trout, click here.

To see Part 3 of Fly Fishing for Trout, click here.

Arizona County Lakes Recently Stocked with Trout

The Arizona Fish and Game Department has been busy stocking trout in various lakes and streams around Arizona this month.  And in November, Watson Lake will get its first stocking of trout for the winter.  This is only the second time in decades that Watson Lake has had trout planted in it.

The Lower Salt River near Phoenix will also be stocked with rainbow trout in November.

For more information about this series of trout stockings in Arizona waters, click here.

Fall Trout Fishing

Now that temperatures are cooling off in many parts of the country, trout fishing should start heating up!  It's no secret that Fall is one of the best times for trout fishing activity.  Cooler surface water temps make for a more comfortable environment for trout.

If you've never trout fished before or are looking to take your kids fishing, this is the perfect opportunity.  Kids will enjoy fishing a lot more if they're actually catching fish and so taking them fishing during the fall months will better their chances.

Below are some fall trout fishing tips.

• Try Darker Lures this Fall
• Trout Feeding Habits
• Fall Trout Fishing Tips
• Fall Trout Fishing in Utah

Fly Fishing for Trout

It's that time of year again ... the weather is warming up, and trout activity is heating up!    If you've ever wanted to learn how to fly fish for trout, this video is for you!  It's the first video on a 6-part series and covers the basics of fly fishing for trout - including what kind of insects trout eat.  

While this information is important to all trout anglers, it's especially important to the fly fisher because they're using artificial flies that are designed to mimic real insects.  This first video, talks a lot about different insects and how it applies to selecting flies.  It also covers trout lies (i.e., places in the water where trout tend to hold).

Even if you're not interested in fly fishing, the information in the video is useful to all trout anglers. 

To see Part 2 of Fly Fishing for Trout, click here.

Conquering the Northwest Lakes

The Pugett Sound Fly Fishers are offering a one day seminar titled, "Conquering the Northwest Lakes" on April 9, 2011.    Members and non-members are invited to attend this seminar (cost is $65 for non-members and $40 for members). 

The seminar will share key strategies and tactics for fishing the Northwest Lakes, ten habits for success, hatch guide, fishing tips for for bad days, and more!

For more information about the "Conquering the Northwest Lakes" seminar, click here.

For more trout fishing events, click here. 

2-Day Fly Fishing Seminar for Women

If you're woman and live in New York, you may be interested in this 2-Day Fly Fishing Seminar which will be held May 14 and 15, 2011.  The clinic is intended to give women a relaxed and comfortable environment to learn fly fishing as well as improve their skills. Women will learn everything from beginning fly fishing to advanced tips and techniques.

The seminar will take place at the NYS DEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery, 2133 Co. Rte. 22, Altmar.
Classes will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

The deadline to register is April 30, 2011. Registration is $20 per day and $35 for both days. Participants must be age 18 or older and have a current New York State fishing license. Class size will be limited to 20 students.

For more information, about the women's fly fishing seminar, click here.

Trout Fishing Tips for Spring

Although this past week has been a bit cooler than expected in some parts of the world, it won't be long before the Spring trout fishing season starts heating up!  Once the weather warms up a bit more, trout will become active predators and feeders.   Here's a few trout fishing tips to help you catch more trout this spring.

First, as water temps warm up a bit, trout will be moving closer to the surface and near shallow banks.  Warmer, oxygenated water will wake trout out of the sluggish state they've been in during the cold winter months.  This means they will begin actively preying on other fish and aquatic insects.

While artificial lures and power bait continue to produce results in the Spring, fishing with natural baits can produce even better results this time of year.  Night crawlers, mealworms, minnows, shrimp, eggs, and the like are natural food sources for trout.  These baits also have natural odors associated with them which attract hungry trout!

Since trout are feeding near the surface, you want to fish near the surface ... though you may still need to experiment with a different depths.  Learning to read trout lies and moving water will help you pick good fishing locations.

If you do want to give your favorite lure a try, here's a great article by Game and Fish Magazine on 10 Great Spring Trout Lures.

If you're new to trout fishing, check out our beginning trout fishing article.  There's no time like the present to learn how to trout fish!

Last Trout Stocking in Santee Lakes

The last of the trout stockings for the Santee Lakes will take place by the end of the week. About a 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be split into Lakes 3 and 4.  As many of you know, bigger trout have stocked the last couple of years in the San Diego lakes.




The Santee Lakes are part of a water recycling/recreation program in San Diego, California.  Seven lakes comprise the Santee Lakes. Lakes 2, 3 and 4 are stocked with rainbow trout. You don't need a California fishing license to fish these lakes, but you do need to buy special lake permit.  

For more information about the Santee Lakes (including trout fishing tips), click here.

New Rainbow Trout Record in Nevada

Nevada's state record for the largest rainbow trout was broken on February 10, 2011 by a Mike Mott.  This 64 year old angler caught the trout on a fly rod while fishing at the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Best of all, Mike had only learned to fly fish a year earlier and so is still considered a novice by experts!

Mike's rainbow trout weighed 16 lbs, 8 ounces and measured 30.5 inches in length.  The previous record weighed 16 lbs, 4 ounces.  Despite the previous record being an inch longer, the weight of the new trout was sufficient to clinch the record.

Mike Mott was fishing with a stonefly nymph on floating line when he made his catch.

You can read the full story of Mike's record rainbow trout by clicking here.

Float Fishing for Trout

Floats (also called Bobbers) are popular with many trout anglers.  In fact, every trout angler ought to have a few in their tackle box.  Floats (or Bobbers) are typically used when trout are feeding just under the water's surface.  That's because floats are ideal for keeping your baited hook near the water's surface.  And the best part is that you can lengthen or shorten your leader to increase or decrease the depth you'd like to fish at.

Floats come in different shapes and sizes.  If you've never fished with one before, the video below shows you the basic setup for trout fishing.

For more Float Fishing Tips, click here.

Trout Fishing Events Around the World

We've added a new feature to our web site.  It's a calendar!  As Spring approaches, trout fishing will start heating up shortly.  As such, there's trout fishing workshops, clinics, derby's and more being scheduled to help folks enjoy the upcoming trout fishing season.

So we thought it would be nice to track all these events on a calendar to make it easier for you to keep track of trout fishing events in your area.  To check out our new trout fishing calendar, click here.

Open Season for Gila Trout in Arizona

It's official.  The proposed amendment for the first ever Gila Trout season in Arizona was enacted on February 23, 2011. 

Anglers can now catch and possess ONE Gila trout at Frye Mesa Reservoir.  However, anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release since Gila trout are still a threatened species. 

The Arizona Game & Fish Department has some nice photos on their Facebook page of the recent stocking that took place.

For more information about Gila trout, click here.

Sebago Ice Fishing Derby Offering Big Prizes

Trout Anglers in Maine might like to check out the Ice Fishing Derby in Sebago, which will be held the 26th and 27th of February, 2011.

This is the 11th Annual Ice Fishing Derby in Sebago, and this year they're offering a $100,000 prize to the person who catches the largest Lake trout (and here's the catch) .... which breaks the Maine State Record (which currently sits at 31 lbs and 8 oz).  The Maine State Record for Lake Trout was recorded in 1958 and hasn't been broken yet.  If an angler is lucky enough to break that record during the derby, he/she will walk away with the $100,000  prize!

Other prizes include a Polar Craft Boat, Gift Certificates, Ice Fishing Sleds, and more. 

For more information about the Sebago Ice Fishing Derby and entry fees, click here.

Wireless GPS Trolling System For Trout Fishing

I love electronic gadgets and today stumbled across this wireless trolling GPS unit.  If you love trolling for trout, you might be interested in this GPS trolling unit.  Check it out.

Minn Kota i-Pilot Wireless GPS Trolling System - Terrova The revolutionary i-Pilot uses GPS technology to store and retrieve locations and paths on the water. Its intuitive features including CoPilot wireless functions navigate and position your boat for you, improving your bait presentation and letting you focus on fishing. i-Pilot installs simply; just replace the top of the motor head, activate your remote, and you're ready to fish. Features:  Record a Track: Simply push the Record button and fish along your  desired course. i-Pilot will store that track to memory (up to three  separate tracks). When you want to retrace a course, i-Pilot™   Playback functions will automatically guide your boat down the track.   Spot-Lock: Spot-Lock works like an electronic anchor. With the push of a button, Spot-Lock will keep you on the fish. Spot-Lock Recall lets you return to that spot later.  CoPilot and Cruise Control: Select and maintain a consistent speed for optimum bait presentation with cruise control, and use the legendary speed and steering functions of Minn Kota CoPilot to precisely control your boat.  Advanced CoPilot:  Just point your trolling motor in the direction you want to head and activate Advanced AutoPilot. i-Pilot keeps you on your heading and delivers you there with GPS accuracy, compensating for wind, waves, currents, or drift. . Minn Kota® i-Pilot Wireless GPS Trolling System

Free Fly Fishing Lessons in Texas

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens will be hosting a fly fishing day  on March 12, 2011 (9 am to 4 pm).   This is a great event for beginners wanting to learn to fly fish and for advanced anglers wanting a bit of help with casting and other things.

Several local fly fishing clubs will be on hand to help teach people how to fly cast, tie knots, and more.  All equipment will be supplied by the clubs, so you don't need to bring any.  To see a complete list of topics covered, click here.

The classes are FREE, but registration is required because spaces are limited. To reserve a spot, call Craig Brooks at 903-670-2222.

For more information about these fly fishing lessons, click here.

Trout Fishing Videos

Yesterday, I mentioned that we were doing a lot of updates to our website.  One of the updates we worked on yesterday was a new trout fishing video library.   There are loads of videos out there offering instruction on various aspects of trout fishing.  Some of these videos are region specific and others specialize in a specific trout species. 

If you're new to trout fishing, you'll really enjoy Scientific Angler's videos on trout  ... which cover all the basics of trout behavior, feeding habits and how to catch them. 

You can check out our new trout fishing video library by clicking here.    And for even more videos about trout fishing, click here.  Once on this page, look to the right and click the link that reads, "trout fishing videos".

Updates to TroutFishingHelp.com

Although it's been a few days since we last blogged, we've been hard at work updating our website to make it easier for you to get your hands on the trout fishing resources you need to catch more trout!

We've totally redone the home page to make it easier to access other pages and resources on our site.   As such we're in the process of adding loads of new pages to TroutFishingHelp.com, each specializing in a different area of trout fishing.  So expect to see more links added to the home page over time (so check back often).

We hope you'll find the new layout more user-friendly and helpful.  In addition to the website, we are also working to update the Trout Fishing Tips eBook too.  The newer version will have a lot more information about trout lures and how to select them for various fishing conditions.    So stay tuned for those updates.

As usual, we'd love to hear from you - especially if you're looking for a particular trout fishing resource that you're having trouble finding.  We'd like to help.  And course, feel free to share your favorite trout fishing tips with us!

Ice Fishing For Trout Video

Ice fishing for trout this winter?  If so, you may find this video helpful.  This video was developed for beginner and advanced anglers alike.  It covers everything you need to know to ice fish for trout.

This video is available for download and you can either rent or buy it. Either way, you can watch it instantly after purchase.  Check it out: Ice Fishing for Trout with Nathan Zelinsky.

For more information about ice fishing for trout, click the links below:

• Ice Fishing With Tip-Ups

• Ice Fishing Tip for Rainbow Trout

Turn Your Bait Into A Spinner

A couple of days ago, I shared some of the best lure tips for trout fishing.  One of those tips was to tip your lure with some sort of bait (nightcrawler, PowerBait, etc.).  That trick will work with any trout lure (spinners, spoons, etc.).

Well there's actually a lure manufacturer  that makes a lure (called the, Minnow Mangler) that is designed specifically for adding minnows to it. The design combines a spinner with some other bait, such as a minnow, though you can add whatever live or plastic bait you prefer to it.

The Mangler - fishing lures also makes lures that glow in the dark and make noise (also mentioned in the "best lure tips" article mentioned above).  Check them out and tell us what you think.

Proposed Open Season for Gila Trout in Arizona

Gila trout are one of Arizona's two native trout (the other being Apache trout).  Because of limited numbers, Arizona's have not been allowed to catch them (though New Mexico anglers have).  That may change very soon. 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department have received a request to set a limited Gila Trout Season, where anglers would be allowed to catch one trout.  This request was prompted by the fact that a New Mexico hatchery has surplus of Gila trout.   If approved, the trout would be stocked in the Frye Mesa Reservoir.

For more information on the proposed Gila Trout season, click here.

Best Trout Fishing Lure Tips

While lures have a long track record of catching trout, there are some tricks you can use to make your lure of choice more attractive to trout.  I've used all these tricks myself with success.

Lure Tip #1 - Tipping The Lure

Adding a small piece of nightcrawler, minnow, powerbait, etc. to the hook of your lure is called, "tipping the lure". The idea is to add scented bait of some sort to the lure to make it more attractive.  So not only is the lure attracting trout by vibration and flash, but also by scent.   Nightcrawlers are popular tips for lures, but you could use anything that trout like to eat.


Lure Tip #2 - Greasing the Lure

Since trout are attracted to potential food by scent, you can also rub some trout attractant on your lure (called greasing the lure).  I personally like to grease my leader and lures when fishing with lures.  If you don't have any trout attractant, and you've already caught at least one fish, you could also rub your lure against the fish's side.  This transfers smelly fish slime to the lure, again, making it smell more natural and attractive.


Lure Tip #3 - Tricking Up Your Lures

This technique is a simple matter of using colored marking pins and tape to spice up a plain silver, nickel, or gold colored lure.  The nice thing about this trick is that it can save you money in buy the same lure in multiple color combination.   Although the video was created for bass fisherman, the technique works with trout lures as well.

Lure Tip #4 - Vary Your Retrieve Speed


After casting a lure into the water, many anglers tend to retrieve the lure at a constant speed.  While this will catch some fish, varying the speed can catch even more.  Many lures are designed to imitate bait fish and they don't swim at a constant rate (nor do they swim in a straight line).  So varying your retrieval speed will do two things.  First, it changes the depth of your lure.  Reel fast, and your lure will rise to the surface. Reel slow (and even stop reeling once in a while) and it will sink. This can give the appearance of an injured bait fish (which trout often find irresistible).


The second thing varying the retrieval speed does, is it makes the lure presentation look more natural.  In other words, if you're lure isn't swimming in a straight line at a constant speed, it tends to look less like an artificial lure and more like a natural bait fish swimming around.


Lure Tip #5 - Color Selection

It's no secret that lures look differently underwater then they do out of water. They also look different in direct sunlight, under cloudy haze, etc.  Lures not only look different to us in different water and weather conditions, but they also look different to trout under the same conditions.   Not only this, but lures will different underwater too at various depths, in clear water, murky water, blue water, green water, etc.  Understanding this will help you choose better lure colors before you cast your line.

There is a lot more detail in my Trout Fishing Tips eBook about how weather conditions and water conditions affect lure color and effectiveness, but in a nutshell, here are some tips you can try when selecting your next lure.


On dark cloudy days and in murky water, try dark colored lures. On bright sunny days, try light colored lures (including lures with gold and nickel finishes).


Lure Tip # 6 - Add Some Noise

In conditions when your lure might be hard to see (such as dark and murky water), using a lure that makes noise can help attract fish.   Some lures make a rattling sound as they move through the water. Rapala makes some great lures that make noise.


Lure Tip #7 - Add Some Glow

In underwater conditions where your lure might be very hard to see (such as at night), using a glowing lure can help make it more visible to trout.  Berkely even makes a Glowing PowerBait Wiggler that was designed to be added to lures. Using these wigglers not only employs Lure Tip #1 but also this lure tip. The Mangler - fishing lures has some interesting glowing lures.

Have any more lure tips? We'd love to hear them.  Feel free to share your own favorite lure tips here.

Modifying Trout Spoons For Better Success

Here's a great tip on modifying your Salmon Spoons. Of course, even though this video talks about spoons used for salmon fishing, the concept can be applied to other trout lures as well

New Mexico Trout to Offer Fly Fishing Classes to Veterans

The New Mexico Trout Fishing Association will begin offering fly tying and fly casting classes to patients of the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. There will even be some day trips included in the classes.

This wonderful outreach is part of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. This project is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and Veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.

This program is free for veterans, and New Mexico Trout will provide equipment for those who need it.

Fly tying classes are scheduled to begin on Feb 9, 2011. Additional classes will be held on:

• Feb. 16, 2011
• Feb. 23, 2011
• March 9, 2011
• March 16, 2011
• March 23, 2011
• April 13, 2011
• April 20, 2011

All classes will start at 6 pm in the Recreation Hall (Bldg. 2) of the medical grounds, and run til about 7:45 pm.

Fly casting classes will be begin in April 2011 (time and dates still to be determined).   Fishing outings will start in June and run through mid-September (more information still to come).  Fly fishing outings will normally depart from the V.A. grounds at 7 am and return about 4 pm.

Although this program is free, veterans must pre-register since space is limited. For more information or to signup, contact Michelle McKenzie at (505) 265-1711 (ext. 4160) or email her at michelle.mckenzie@va.gov.

Veterans also may call Dave Patton of New Mexico Trout at (505) 681-0835 or e-mail him at pattondj@comcast.net for more information.

Ice Fishing Tip for Rainbow Trout

Some folks think trout hibernate during the winter months, but that's not true. They do get a bit sluggish and less active, but they do still need need to eat to survive.  The difference in winter is that they're looking for an easy meal.  They don't want to have to work as hard for their meals in the winter months.

That said, many anglers enjoy ice fishing for rainbows during the colder months.  If you're one of those anglers, you may want to try the trout tip offered in this video. 

So next time you're out ice fishing for rainbows, try adding a nightcrawler to your tip-up. Have other ice tips for trout, let us know.

For more winter trout fishing tips, click here.

Winter Trout Fishing Tips

Despite the fact that many of us have had a few warmer days this month, we're still in the heart of the winter trout season. This means that you have to adjust your tactics a bit to accommodate slow, sluggish trout. 

Trout do not hibernate, but they do become lethargic in cold water. They still need to eat, but they're less likely to be aggressive predators. Instead, they'll eat whatever comes near them.   So to catch them, you have to not only have to get your baited hook or fly near them, but you many also have to offer them something they can't resist. 

Spoons tend to work well in winter months for this reason.  The flash emitted as they move through the water can excite fish and cause them to strike at it.  This flash can also "wake" them out of a lethargic stupor. This strike is not always one of hunger, but sometimes one of defensiveness ... in that the trout is trying to protect its territory from unwanted intruders. 

So when trout fishing in winter, try using a variety of spoons (different colors, sizes, etc.).  And course try to fish them in deep pools or warm pockets of water where trout may be holding.  Learning to read the water, is important when trout fishing.

Spinners can also be effective lures when trout fishing in the winter.  Like spoons, spinners emit a flash as they move through the water, but they're vibration is different.  This vibration can also help entice a sluggish trout into checking your offering.  Once again though, you want to get the spinner close enough to a trout lie to entice the fish without scaring them away.

If you're fly fishing, nymphs and other wet flies are usually the best bet during the winter months. Fly fishing during the winter tends be more challenging than spin fishing, because of the fact that there aren't as many insects around. 


Lighter line (or at least leaders) can also help during the winter months ... especially if you're fishing in clear water. Trout will often taste bait before eating it 9which is why some strikes tend to be subtle).  This is especially true in the winter months.  Using a lighter line can help disguise the fact that your baited hook is a trap (so to speak).

Another thing to adjust is the time of day you go fishing.  During the summer months, we conditioned to fish in the early morning hours and at dusk.  The afternoon hours (between 10 am and 2 pm) are generally the worst hours to fish during the summer months.  However, during the winter months, fishing between 10 am and 2 pm tend to produce better results.  This is because the water warms up a bit during these hours and warmer water means less sluggish trout. 

Trout fishing may be slow in the winter months, but you can still catch trout.  So don't give up.

How to Rig Double Nymphs for Trout Fishing

Every serious fly fisher generally has a nice supply of nymphs in their arsenal.  Nymphs are designed to imitate the juvenile stage of aquatic insects.  The nymph stage of an insects life begins after they hatch and when they start to grow. Nymphs are sub-surface insects and typically remain in this stage for weeks to years (depending on species of insect). Once they mature enough, they migrate to the surface and begin emergence.

So because nymphs are underwater insects, the artificial flies created to imitate nymphs are classified as wet flies (that is, they are fished below the water's surface). Trout strikes tend to be more subtle with nymphs than with dry flies, so many anglers like to use strike indicators.  Yarn, corkies and even dry flies, are popular strike indicators. 

If you're state allows it, you can even rig two nymphs on your line to increase the chances of trout strikes.  The video below shows you how to rig double nymphs.

To learn how to rig a dry fly as a strike indicator, click here.

Wooly Bugger Tips

The Wooly Bugger is a favorite fly for trout anglers.  It's a wet fly, so it's generally fished below the water's surface.  Wooly Buggers are a type of streamer (a large artificial fly that is designed to resemble bait fish or other aquatic prey).  Carrying a selection of Wooly Buggers in different sizes is a good idea.

Because the fly is fake, you have to fish it in a way that makes it come alive so trout will be attracted to it.  The video below shows you how to fish with a Wooly Bugger. 

How to Use Dry Flies As Strike Indicators

Tired of using yarn and cork indicators when fly fishing?  Check out this guy's solution!   He uses artificial flies as indicators.  This is trout fishing tip is for the advanced angler, but the video does an excellent job of showing you exactly how to rig a dry fly as an indicator while fishing with a nymph. 

2011 Fly Fishing Film Tour

It's that time of year again when the Fly Fishing Film Tour is making the rounds.  Throughout February, March and April, the Fly Fishing Film Tour will be visiting over 80 cities in 2011. The goal of these tours is to inspire film makers who make outdoor sports and education videos.  Folks making videos for outdoor enthusiasts are especially encouraged to attend one of the Fly Fishing Film Tours.

But even  if you don't make films or videos, the annual event has become popular for it's entertainment value. For more information about the 2011 Fly Fishing Film Tour (including tour dates), click here.

2011 World Fly Fishing Championship

While updating the website this morning, I noticed that the dates for the upcoming 2011 World Fly Fishing Championship dates had been posted on the FIPS-Mouche website and wanted to share the information here.

The next World Fly Fishing Championship will be held in Italy 28 Aug. - 4 Sep., 2011.This will be the 31st Annual World Fly Fishing Championship. There's even a facebook page to help folks follow the 2011 tournament. Team USA also has a facebook page now.

Last year's championship was held in Poland and the Czech Nymphs took the gold in the competition. 

For more information about the 31st World Fly Fishing Championship, click here.

Fishing With Bobbers

A lot of trout anglers like to use bobbers when fishing.  Whether or not you use a bobber has a lot to do with where trout are actively feeding.  If trout are feeding near the bottom of a lake, then a bobber won't help you much.   But if they're feeding near the surface, then using a bobber is a good idea.

Bobbers offer two main advantages.  First, they keep your baited hook near the surface of the water.  So if you're fishing a lake (for example), your baited hook typically hangs below the bobber the length of your leader.  Generally speaking, most trout leaders used in spin fishing is 18-24 inches in length.  So if using a bobber while lake fishing, you're typically fishing 18-24 inches below the surface.

Another advantage of fishing with bobbers is that they serve as a strike indicator.  When the bobber dips below the water's surface, it's usually means a fish is checking out your bait and this is the time to set the hook.

Bobbers can be used when fishing in lakes and streams too (even though these bodies of water are usually much shallower than lakes).

Bobbers come in various sizes and colors.  The smaller the bobber, the easier it will be for a fish to pull it under the water when it strikes (so it disappears from your sight).  When fishing for smaller fish, smaller bobbers are preferred because because they don't interfere with a fish strike as much.

There are a few different different ways to rig a bobber on your rod and some of this depends on the type of bobber used (used stationary bobber, slip bobber, etc.). 

Below are some videos you may find helpful.

 

Slip bobbers offer the advantage of making it easier to adjust the depth of your hook.

How to Tie Egg Loops

Egg Loops are a type of knot that are often used by salmon and steelhead fishers to attach a leader to the hook.  Salmon and Steelheader fishers like this know because it's strong and helps roe and shrimp stay on the hook longer.

If you've never tied an egg loop before, the videos will teach you how to tie it.  If you are familiar with tying the egg loop, you might find the "pimped out egg loop" useful.

 

For help in baiting the hook with roe, click here. 

Winter Trout Flies

Fly fishing in winter is challenging for a lot of anglers because trout tend to feed below the surface this time of year.  And if you want to catch them, the fly fisher typically needs to fish nymphs and other wet flies. 

Some of the more popular nymphs to fish with during the winter season include the Wooly Bugger, Wooly Worm, Hare's Ear and Muskrat Nymph.  Large stoneflies and dragonfly nymphs can also be good for catching trout in the winter.

The golden rule in choosing a fly is to observe insects are currently hatching.  In winter, where you typically don't see any insects flying around, looking under rocks in the water can be helpful.  Overturning a few rocks will give you an idea of what trout are feeding on ... as well as help you select an appropriate nymph to entice them with.

Bass Pro Shops offers a nice selection of freshwater Wooly Buggers in different sizes.  They offer other assortments of flies as well in nice kits.

Umpqua Freshwater Fly Assortment - Wooly Bugger It never hurts to have a number of Wooly Buggers. Probably the world's most popular all-purpose fly, Wooly Buggers are incredibly versatile patterns that will catch fish just about anywhere. This Umpqua assortment includes a fly box included. Consisting of 12 great wooly patterns, this assortment includes 2 of each of the following: Black Wooly Buggers - Size 10Brown Wooly Buggers - Size 10 Olive Wooly Buggers - Size 10Gold Bead Rubber Leg Wooly Buggers Brown - Size 8Gold Bead Rubber Leg Wooly Buggers Olive - Size 8Gold Bead Rubber Leg Wooly Bugger Black - Size 6. Umpqua® Freshwater Fly Assortment - Wooly Bugger - 12 Piece

For more winter trout fly fishing tips, click here.

For more general winter trout fishing tips, click here.

Ice Fishing with Tip-Ups

Since many of us live in areas currently covered in snow and ice, I thought some ice fishing tips would be helpful.   And I love videos for obvious reasons.  This video below offers some tips for ice fishing with tip-ups.

For those who aren't familiar with them, tip-ups are strike indicators that rest above your ice fishing hole.  Your line is typically attached to one end of the tip-up and lowered into the water and a flag is attached to the other end.  When a passing fish strikes your line, the flag raises to let you know you a fish may be on the line.

The advantage of using tip-ups is that you can sit warmly in an ice shanty and watch your tip for strikes rather than sit in the cold holding a pole.  Another advantage is that you can fish multiple lines at once.

The video below offers a few tips for ice fishing with tip-ups.

Click here to see an ice fishing tip for rainbow trout.

New Trout Records for 2010

There were some new trout records set in 2010 and I thought it would be fun to share them here with you.  While Roger Hellen's 41.8 lb  brown trout was certainly the highlight of the year, there were also several new state records set.

Roger Hellen's 41.8 lb brown trout shattered the previous 1986 IGFA line-class record  and tied the Tom Healy's all-tackle record which was set in 2009.  The only reason Hellen's brown trout didn't break Healy's record was because of an IGFA ruling which states the new record must weigh more than the previous record by certain margin.  Hellen's fish is also Wisconsin's new brown trout record.


Kansas recorded new records for rainbow and brown trout in March of 2010. The new brown trout record weighed in at 4.18 lbs (measuring 20.25 inches).  This fish was caught with a Kastmaster lure  in Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream.  Ten days later, a 10.29 lb rainbow trout was pulled out of Shawnee Mission Park Lake using Berkley PowerBait.

Maine recorded a new brook trout record weighing in at 9.02 ounces.  This trout was pulled out of Mousam Lake  The previous record (8 lbs 8 oz) was set in 1979.  A new rainbow trout record was also recorded in 2010. The new rainbow record weighed 8.42 lbs and was caught in Kennebec River in Solon.

Ohio recorded a new steelhead trout record. This 21.3 lb and 38 inch rainbow trout was pulled out of Lake Erie.

South Carolina also recorded a new state record for brook trout.  Amazingly enough, the previous 30 year brook trout record was broken three times in less than a week!  The newest record weighs 3 lbs 9.5 oz was caught using a Super Duper Spinner in South Saluda River.

Texas recorded three new trout records back to back with the final record weighing in at 8.92 lbs and measuring 26.5 inches.  This rainbow trout set the new all-tackle, rod and reel state record.

Wyoming recorded a new Tiger Trout record in November, 2010.  The new record weighed 5.12 lbs and measured 23.9 inches in length.  This fish was caught in High Savery Reservoir.

For more information about previous trout records, click here.

Ice Fishing Tournaments in South Dakota

South Dakota has several ice fishing tournaments throughout January that local anglers may be interested in.  They also have several other fishing tournaments scheduled through 2011.

Included in the tournament schedule is the 9th Annual Kids Fishing Tournament on January 15, 2011.

For a complete listing of 2011 fishing tournaments in South Dakota, click here.