Trout
is a term used for several types of fish that are a part of one of
three genera: oncorhyunchus, salmo or salvelinus. They live in
freshwater, but some trout do spend time out in the ocean and return to
freshwater to spawn, just like salmon, which trout are closely related
to. Several common types of trout are brown trout, lake trout, rainbow
trout and steelhead. A trout’s diet usually consist of other fish and
aquatic invertebrates. When a trout reaches over 12 inches they’ll
usually only feed on smaller fish. Trout are a very popular game fish
and many state wildlife agencies stock lakes, ponds and streams with
trout for anglers to catch.
You
can locate trout in lakes and streams with cool water. The ideal
temperature range is 50 to 60 degrees. Juvenile trout can also be known
as fry, troutlet and troutling. They tend to mature around 2 to 3 years
of age. The lifespan on trout depends on the species. For example, a
rainbow trout can live up to 7 years while lake trout can live for
several decades. The color variation of trout varies greatly and is
dependent on the type of trout you’re looking to catch. Trout are not
only popular with anglers, they are also popular on the dinner table.
Trout, along with its close relatively salmon are a common staple in
many American’s diets.
Trout Fishing Tips, Tricks and Techniques
Ok, we’re pretty sure you came to this page for our amazing trout
fishing tips. You can find these tips below. They were put together by
our team who researched them and then tested them out in the field. We
hope they are as effective for you as they were for us!
- Know the Current – If you understand how a river or
stream is shaped by moving water you’ll be able to find trout very
easily. Deep pools created by the current can hold a big trout, but
smaller trout can also be found in them. The large trout will most
likely be in these pools during dawn and dusk.
- Choose Your Lures Wisely – It’s really important to
pick the right lures. Using the wrong type could make you miss out on
opportunities. For optimal performance, we recommend the Panther Martin Spinning Lures.
- Power Bait ONLY Works on Stocked Trout – If you’re
fishing for trout with powerbait then you better make sure the trout in
that body of water were stocked (farm raised) and not native. Native
trout will not bite on Berkley’s Powerbait,
the only reason stocked trout will is because they are fed pellets in
the hatchery and will eat anything that resembles or smells like the
pellets.
- The Best Live Bait – Hands down night crawlers are
an effective live bait for catching trout, along with minnows and
crayfish. A neat trick is to take a look at what lives on the shore of
where you’re fishing for trout and see what might be native to their
lunch or dinner menu. Mayflies, when native to the area, can be deadly
during the fall season.
- The Silver Spoon – Trout, especially lake trout
love to bite on a small silver spoon. The best way to use this to your
advantage is to buy a lure that mimics a spoon. Our top choice is the Kastaway Trophy Spoon.
Trout Fishing Records
Listed below are the world record trout caught by fishermen just like
you. This data comes directly from the IGFA (International Game Fish
Association). These type of fishing records don’t change often and we do
try to keep this section updated. To see if one of the below trout
records were broken you should visit the IGFA website, below we’ve
provided a link to it in the bottom section called Additional Resources
for Trout Fishing. Hopefully one day we’ll see your name listed below
for a record trout!
- Llyod
Bull caught a lake trout (salvelinus namaycush) in Great Bear Lake
located in Canada on August 19th, 1995 that weighed 32.65 kg (72 lbs. 0
oz.)
- Sean
Konrad caught a rainbow trout (onocorhynchus mykiss) in Lake
Diefenbaker located in Canada on September 5th, 2009 that weighed 21.77
kg (48 lbs. 0 oz.
- Chas
Reed caught a golden trout (oncorhynchus aguabonita) in Cooks Lake
located in Wyoming, USA on August 5th, 1948 that weighed 4.98 kg (11
lbs. 0 oz.)
- N.
Higgins caught a bull trout (salvelinus confluentus) in Lake Pend
Oreille located in Idaho, USA on October 27th, 1949 that weighed 14.51
kg (32 lbs. 0 oz)
- Dr.
W. Cook caught a brook trout (salvelinus fontinalis) in the Nipigon
River located in Canada on July 1st, 1916 that weighed 6.57 kg (14 lbs. 8
oz.)
- John
Skimmerhorn caught a cutthroat trout (oncorhynchus clarki) in Pyramid
Lake located in Nevada, USA on December 1st, 1925 that weighed 18.59 kg
(41 lbs. 0 oz.)
Additional Resources for Trout Fishing
Hopefully the information provided on this page will make you more
successful at catching trout. However, you may still want to expand your
research on trout fishing and look into additional resources. That’s
why we’ve provided you with additional places below where you can learn
more about trout fishing. If you found our trout fishing tips useful
then please share our website with your fellow anglers, friends, family
and co-workers.
- Trout Tactics – A Comprehensive Guide
– This book is a great reference guide if you are a conventional trout
angler. Author Cal Kellogg shows you the best setups and rigs to use,
among other strategies.
- Fishing Records – IGFA – Get real-time information on trout fishing records and records for all other types of game fish.
- Trout Legend – Forum
– A great community of fishermen who love to catch trout. This is a
great place to meet other fishermen interested in trout and other types
of game fish.
- Trout – Wikipedia – Learn more about the different species of trout and get specific information about each species.