Fly Fishing Pliers
Fly Fishing Pliers
Stream Trout Fishing Secrets by Mike Atasca
Given my choice, I would decline the lake offer, as well as the river offer, and select the stream to live in if I were a trout. Just think of it! New scenery around every corner, and a habitat to suit my every mood, whether it’s calm and relaxed, or quick-witted and active. Maybe that’s why I love stream trout fishing so much.
Unlike the anglers you might find around the lake, stream fishermen are on the go. Constantly looking for that perfect blend of water depth, current flow, suitable cover and availability, the stream fisherman has an excited, eager air about him that doesn’t fit with other anglers. Why, the mileage a “streamer” hikes each day could count laps around the lake! If you are willing to work your way through, around, under and over the usual obstacles to stream fishing, you just might find your niche.
Stream trout fishing calls for lightweight equipment. After all, the trout likely to be found will be smaller than their lake dwelling cousins. Also, the tight spots you may find yourself in are more easily navigated with a 4 to 5 foot rod, rather than anything longer. The clarity of the stream water also may allow the trout to see heavy line, so be sure you are set up with no more than 4 pound test on your ultralight reel.
Stock your tackle box with some small split shot weights, swivels, small bait hooks, lures or flies, some extra line, and of course pliers, string line and a good knife.
You will find more success if you let your bait float down to the fish, once you have found a spot worthy of a couple attempts. If you don’t have any luck after that, move on to another spot.
In no time, you will become quite proficient at “reading the stream” and having a very good idea just where the trout might be hiding out. Do a little research before you head out too, so you know what the fish currently are hitting on. It will be determined mostly by what is naturally available to eat at the time. Trout are pretty smart when it comes to their diet. If they see something that is not normally coming down the stream, they probably aren’t going to give it a second look. So stick to what you know they are going for, and use that, or something that mimics it.
With some practice, you will master the techniques for untangling, or unhooking your line from obstructions in or around the stream. It is bound to happen, so expect to deal with it so you don’t get too frustrated. If you are wading in the stream, you will have better success at retrieving your tackle in the event of a snag, but fishing from the bank of the stream presents a slightly different challenge. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
Many streams are regularly stocked, and others are home to natives only. Knowing which is the case where you are fishing will help you determine what to use as bait, and how to fish it.
If you are fishing a stream that does not get stocked, but has native Brook trout, expect a lot of action. These may not be the biggest trout you’ll ever catch, but they are both beautiful and aggressive.
Rainbows can easily be found in the 14 to 16 inch range in many streams that are stocked. Spotting a “hole from heaven” and then catching a nice rainbow trout is a thrill you will enjoy describing as much as experiencing.
Take a detour off the main waterway sometime, and try your hand at stream trout fishing. It is an exciting adventure you’ll be glad you discovered.
About the Author
Mike Atasca is a trout fishing expert, with more than 45 years experience. For more great tips on stream trout fishing, visit http://www.troutfishingpros.com.
Floating Fishing Pliers from FloatingPliers.com – Review
