Nov 20, 2009

Late Season Trout Fishing

As the trout fishing season begins to wind down, I figured it was time to write an article about late season trout fishing. Many anglers may not realize it, but late season trout fishing can be as good as it gets. In the west it seems as if trout feed heavily before the cold temperatures of winter set in. I've caught more trophy trout in the late season, that is to say fall, than at any other time of the year. Late season trout fishing has always been my most productive time of the year.
So, as other outdoors people turn their attention towards chasing animals around in the woods, I suggest you not forget about your favorite trout water, and give late season trout fishing a shot. The results can be incredible. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be even more successful.
  • What Pound Test Is Your Line? - A secret to late season trout fishing is to use fishing line that's as light as you can. Trout have very keen eyesight and can detect your fishing line in the water. That's why using line heavier than six pound test is a huge mistake. My mentor always used four pound test, and that's what I've always used for trout fishing. Six pound is tolerable, but four pound test is ideal. The lighter the line you use, the more bites you'll get, it's as simple as that.
  • Do You Worry About Your Hands? - Trout have a very sensitive sense of smell, and if they detect unnatural odors, they are much less apt to bite. Odors such as gasoline, cigarettes, or even cologne will transfer to whatever bait you're using, and result in less bites. A good practice is to rub your hands in a handful of grass or dirt before baiting up. This will eliminate any unnatural odors that may be on your hands. Always pay attention to your hands whenever you're trout fishing.
  • Do You Think About Your Hooks? - For those of you who don't realize it, gang hooks are the best way to present live bait while fishing. Especially while trout fishing in a river or stream with live worms. Rig a worm on a set of pre-tied gang hooks, and then allow this rig to bounce off of the bottom as it flows naturally with the current, and you've got a deadly combination. My mentor used gang hooks for all of his trout fishing, and it was probably his greatest trout fishing secret. Gang hooks allow you to present live bait, and especially live worms in a totally natural manner. Don't you think a worm that appears 'natural' will out fish a worm that's been threaded onto a single hook? I can assure you that it dies.
  • What About The Weather & Moon? - A secret that my fishing mentor lived by was using the weather & moon to your advantage when trout fishing. A secret to trout fishing, especially late in the season, is understanding how these two things relate to your fishing success. These two factors have as big an impact on your trout fishing as anything. There is simply no substitute for being on the water when the trout are the most active.
Keep these tips in mind on your late season trout fishing trip and you'll be that much more successful. Not only that, but late season trout fishing also offers some of the best scenery that its possible to experience. The changing leaves, cool weather, and un-crowded water make late season trout fishing something that every angler should experience.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!
Affordable Retractors for any trout fisherman: http://www.jrwfishing.com/JRWRetractors.htm