02/23/2009
Trophy Brown Trout Fishing Tips
admin asked:
Big, hooked-nosed, brown trout are found in many trout streams. These trophy trout are more plentiful than is generally believed, but they're not caught as easily as smaller trout, chiefly because they feed almost exclusively on minnows and are extremely wary. Fishermen occasionally latch onto trophy brown trout when using worm baits immediately after sudden rains that raise and rile the streams. Now and then one is caught on a well-retrieved spinner or spoon.
But most tackle-busters are taken by fishermen who aim especially for big trout by, first, handling a minnow bait properly; second, recognizing the best places in streams harboring big trout; and, third, using proper tackle. Let's examine each of these points.
BAITS
Big brownies that have grown to hooked-jaw proportions want food in mouth-sized quantities. They will rise occasionally for a surface fly or grub, but, as a rule, they prefer minnows as the chief item on their menu. It requires less energy for them to lie hidden beneath an undercut bank and dart out to seize a minnow when one swims into view. They are constantly on the alert for a crippled minnow, which can be caught without too much exertion.
The minnow fisherman sews a minnow to the hook in such a manner that it rolls or spins slowly when retrieved through the current. With just enough weight added to the line to carry the bait down to the bottom, the fisherman works pockets that big fish normally inhabit. When a big trout is hooked, don't hurry it. Follow it downstream if you have to.
HABITAT
Big browns pick locations in streams where they are able to hide, have access to food lanes and don't need to fight strong currents. The attractive locations are deep cut banks and ledges, log jams, boulders or points of islands where flow is reduced.
The minnow fisherman flips his bait toward such locations and retrieves it in such a way as to simulate the action of a cripple. Four to six split shot are added to the line to keep the bait close to the bottom. Having failed to get a strike at a likely pool or riffle, the angler approaches the spot from a different angle on the next occasion.
TACKLE
Trophy-class brown trout can really smash tackle. Living beneath banks and ledges, they are experts at entangling lines and leaders around roots, rocks, and in crevices. Six to eight-pound-test fishing line is a good size for fly-rod leaders or spinning line. This line is sewn through or wrapped around the minnows body and fastened to a No. 4 hook. Split shot is added to the line, 18-inches above the bait, to keep the bait on bottom even in the swiftest current. Rods of medium action are best and a landing net is essential.
And remember, your clothing is important. Big trout are wary of shadows, noises and movements. The skilled fisherman uses the sun to his advantage by fishing on the sunny side of the creek, so that the fish are blinded by the bright light. He dresses in subdued colors, such as brown or green, which blend with the shoreline.
It's a thrilling experience to hook, battle, and finally land one of these trophy browns. The action can be fast and furious. It's a long, drawn-out battle; one that any fisherman will long remember.
Denis Gardner has been an avid fisherman for 30 years. He has fished extensively throughout the U.S., Alaska and Canada. Find a ton of trout fishing tips and techniques at his website TheFishingCabin.com.
Big, hooked-nosed, brown trout are found in many trout streams. These trophy trout are more plentiful than is generally believed, but they're not caught as easily as smaller trout, chiefly because they feed almost exclusively on minnows and are extremely wary. Fishermen occasionally latch onto trophy brown trout when using worm baits immediately after sudden rains that raise and rile the streams. Now and then one is caught on a well-retrieved spinner or spoon.
But most tackle-busters are taken by fishermen who aim especially for big trout by, first, handling a minnow bait properly; second, recognizing the best places in streams harboring big trout; and, third, using proper tackle. Let's examine each of these points.
BAITS
Big brownies that have grown to hooked-jaw proportions want food in mouth-sized quantities. They will rise occasionally for a surface fly or grub, but, as a rule, they prefer minnows as the chief item on their menu. It requires less energy for them to lie hidden beneath an undercut bank and dart out to seize a minnow when one swims into view. They are constantly on the alert for a crippled minnow, which can be caught without too much exertion.
The minnow fisherman sews a minnow to the hook in such a manner that it rolls or spins slowly when retrieved through the current. With just enough weight added to the line to carry the bait down to the bottom, the fisherman works pockets that big fish normally inhabit. When a big trout is hooked, don't hurry it. Follow it downstream if you have to.
HABITAT
Big browns pick locations in streams where they are able to hide, have access to food lanes and don't need to fight strong currents. The attractive locations are deep cut banks and ledges, log jams, boulders or points of islands where flow is reduced.
The minnow fisherman flips his bait toward such locations and retrieves it in such a way as to simulate the action of a cripple. Four to six split shot are added to the line to keep the bait close to the bottom. Having failed to get a strike at a likely pool or riffle, the angler approaches the spot from a different angle on the next occasion.
TACKLE
Trophy-class brown trout can really smash tackle. Living beneath banks and ledges, they are experts at entangling lines and leaders around roots, rocks, and in crevices. Six to eight-pound-test fishing line is a good size for fly-rod leaders or spinning line. This line is sewn through or wrapped around the minnows body and fastened to a No. 4 hook. Split shot is added to the line, 18-inches above the bait, to keep the bait on bottom even in the swiftest current. Rods of medium action are best and a landing net is essential.
And remember, your clothing is important. Big trout are wary of shadows, noises and movements. The skilled fisherman uses the sun to his advantage by fishing on the sunny side of the creek, so that the fish are blinded by the bright light. He dresses in subdued colors, such as brown or green, which blend with the shoreline.
It's a thrilling experience to hook, battle, and finally land one of these trophy browns. The action can be fast and furious. It's a long, drawn-out battle; one that any fisherman will long remember.
Denis Gardner has been an avid fisherman for 30 years. He has fished extensively throughout the U.S., Alaska and Canada. Find a ton of trout fishing tips and techniques at his website TheFishingCabin.com.
Filed under Fishing by admin
