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Step 1
Prospect the lake to find the areas that the fish are favoring for that time of year. Pay close attention to the area of water 15 to 20 feet from the surface. From late spring until late fall this is where the fish spend most of their time, due to the abundance of food.
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Step 2
Troll in the areas where fish like to hide, such as under overhanging trees, in shady areas, near cliffs and near underwater rocks. This provides protection from predators, escape from direct sunlight and an area to spawn. But it provides you cover as well.
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Step 3
Search for the trout's food sources. These include minnows, salamanders, crayfish, beetles, insects and other small creatures. Trout are never far from their food.
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Step 4
Troll near drop-offs. You can use a depth sounder to locate these areas. Trout are never far from changes in the structure of the lake.
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Step 5
Troll near inlets or outlet streams. The water is really oxygenated in these areas, which draws the trout.
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Step 6
Start your trolling between the first light and sun up. This is when the lake is still shaded and the trout are biting.
