How to Make Trout Mush Bait

Freshwater trout will attack mush baits made of cheese and garlic in streams where fishing with natural bait is legal (some localities allow trout fishing only with artificial lures). The cheese provides taste and a bit of texture to hold the bait together, while the garlic releases into the water to provide some scent for the fish to follow. Homemade mush bait costs next to nothing, so preparing a big batch for the next angling adventure won't break the budget. Mush bait can also be prepared in advance and frozen until ready for use.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 pound old American or cheddar cheese
• Microwavable mixing bowl
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon anise oil, available in the baking aisle of grocery stores
• Wax paper
• Plastic bags with zipper seal

Instructions

1. Place the cheese in a microwavable mixing bowl and melt in the microwave, approximately one minute.

2. Add the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Form the mush bait into balls, each about the size of a marble. Add a little more flour, if necessary, to achieve a doughlike consistency

4. Place the baits on wax paper to keep them from sticking together.

5. Sprinkle cornmeal on the baits to cover the tacky surface and keep them from sticking.

6. Place the baits in a plastic bag and freeze until ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the mush baits on ice until ready for fishing. They will stay on the hook longer if attached while frozen.

• Check local regulations before fishing with mush baits.

References

• Jrwfishing.com: Bait for Trout
• Rainbowtroutlures.com: Trout Mush Bait Tips