How to catch trout
A step by step guide on how to bottom fish for trout. For a more in depth lesson, our in-person classes are excellent for beginners.
Trout fishing is an easy and fun activity to do, whether you are a beginner fisherman or trying to have some family fun at a local lake. Bottom fishing for trout is the most common and effective for these stocked trout.
Rod and Reel
Trout fishing can be done with most rods and reels, however these are the general specifications recommended for trout fishing.
Rod Selection
For most river trout fishing applications, a spinning rod between 6" and 8" is ideal. If you are looking for extra casting distance or sensitivity, a longer rod would be better.
The rod with a rating of light to medium-light power with a moderate or fast action is recommended. These rods provide excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle bites and the flexibility to enjoy the fight with these smaller fish.
The HMG Trout & Panfish spinning rod is an excellent rod for trout fishing.
Reel Selection
A quality spinning reel in the 1000–2500 size range pairs well with most trout rods.
The Daiwa Sweepfire spinning reel is a 1000 size reel, budget friendly and an excellent starter reel for trout fishing.
Line Recommendations
For trout fishing, using a 6-10 lb monofilament mainline would be perfect.
The leader being the same rating as the mainline would be no issue for general trout fishing, however in clear water conditions, using a lighter line, such as a 4 lb fluorocarbon leader, may help you hook more fish.
The Berkely XL Filler spool between 4-10 lb would be a good choice to spool up your reel as the mainline, or as a leader.
Necessary Tackle
Egg weight (15-25g)
Barrel swivel
Hard bead
Hooks (size 8-12)
Powerbait eggs OR Powerbait dough
This tackle can all be found on our website and in store.
How to rig it
How bottom fishing for trout works, is that a weight sinks to the bottom, keeping the floating bait suspended in the water column. A hungry trout swims by and sees your bait and bites it. Trout will NOT bite your bait if it is sitting on the bottom of the lake. Ensure that you attractant of choice floats.
Step 1: Add an egg weight
Slide an egg weight onto the mainline.
Step 2: Add a hard bead
Slide a hard bead onto the mainline.
Step 3: Tie on a barrel swivel
Tie a barrel swivel onto the mainline. This should stop the weight and bead from sliding off.
Step 4: Select and cut your leader
Measure roughly about 10-12 inches of whatever line you will be using as your leader. Cut it and prepare for the next steps.
Step 5: Tie the leader to the barrel swivel
Using your newly cut piece of leader, tie one end to the barrel swivel on the mainline.
Step 6: Tie on your hook
Tie on the other end of your leader to your hook using any knot.
Step 7: Add your attractant
If you are using Powerbait eggs, break off 2 eggs and thread onto the hook. Ensure that the hook point is exposed, but still subtle enough that the fish will not notice
If you are using Powerbait dough, roll a clump to about the size of a dime. Mold the clump onto the hook, barely showing the hook point.
You are now ready to fish!
How to fish it
Cast your set up as far as you can cast, however not with extreme force. After casting, keep your bail open and continue to let line out in order for the weight to sink to the bottom. After the weight touches bottom, denoted by your line not moving, close your bail and put your rod into a rod holder, or lean it against a stick. Slowly reel in your excess line until the line becomes taut. This means that your rod tip now can now detect any movement of the bait. After this, wait until you see your rod tip moves. You can add a bell to the tip if you do not want to constantly watch it. Your rod tip should produce a sudden jerk like movement, or clear taps. This means that a fish is biting your bait. The moment you see the first tap, carefully pick up the rod and reel in any excess line until it is taut and wait for a second bite. When you feel or see the next bite, pull hard and begin reeling. The fight begins!