How to Catch More Trout: Understanding and Simplicity are Key

Many of our customers have asked us if we know how to catch more trout. The answer to their query is more complicated than you might think. Trout is not a one size fits all fish – how a trout behaves (and thus how easy or difficult it is to catch) depends on a lot of factors, from habitat to habitat and from species to species. Success on one trout fishing outing does not guarantee success at another. It’s a fact that some people find dismaying, but we say embrace the challenge! If all trout thought and caught alike, there’d never be any reason to leave the home surf for another locale. The fact that there are different strokes for different trout folks is what keeps this sport of ours interesting!

With that in mind, we have endeavored to assemble a list of 8 trout fishing tips that can answer the question of how to catch more trout – or, at the very least, how not to get frustrated when you don’t catch it on your very first try.

1. The trout you find in a stream will behave differently than trout in rivers or in lakes. You may come home with a great catch after a day in one body of water and tank in another. Study up on the habits of trout in different habitats and fish accordingly.

2. Surprisingly, differences in seasonal temperature, elevation, the season itself, and the characteristics of the land around a body of water can impact trout behavior. When it doubt, ask a local for tips!

3. Hatchery trout may be less wily than wild trout, which had to battle just to survive beyond birth. Different species of trout – there are eight main species and plenty of subspecies – can also present various unique challenges.

4. Get the right equipment! Going out with a trout rod and reel is no guarantee you’ll come home with a great catch, but it puts the odds in your favor. Ultra light action rods and reels with four pound test line are common among anglers who target trout.

5. Keep your hooks scaled to trout. It’s easy to go large, but you’ll probably catch more trout with an 8 or a 10.

6. Forget fancy baits, because worms are where it’s at. The American earth worm – yes, the one in your garden – is a great choice and simple. Just make sure that when you’re baiting your hook, you don’t create a worm ball that, to trout, will look anything but natural.

7. Few anglers think of their clothing as being a part of their gear, but consider camouflaging yourself as one way to catch more trout. Bright colors won’t immediately peg you as human, but they can intimidate fish into swimming in the opposite direction as soon as they see you coming.

8. Think of where trout like to hang out to catch more trout. You’ll usually find plenty feeding or just relaxing in the little calm pools just off rapids if you’re fishing on a river, for example. Casting your line where there are actually fish is the easiest way to increase your catch.

Happy fishing!