How to Catch Stocked Trout in Lakes

Catch trout and savor its fillets.

Numerous state-managed trout hatcheries stock lakes throughout the United States. The most popular trout fishing occurs during spring especially during the stocking period according to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The types of trout in your local lakes vary and may include rainbow, brook and brown trouts. Productive trout fishing is possible by learning tricks and techniques specific to the conditions and seasons of your local stocked lakes.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod and reel
• Baits and lures
• Boat
• Egg sinker or bobber

Instructions

1. Fish early. Drop your fishing lines during the early part of the season as hatchery stocked trout tend to become more weary and difficult to catch as the weeks go on. The left over fish species are tougher after surviving the opening onslaught. Many hatchery managements such as the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife posts trout stocking dates on their website.

2. Toss spinners and small spoons using five-foot ultra light rods. Stocked lake trout can range from 10 to 18 inches. Lures such as Kastmaster spoon in gold, Swedish Pimple and No. 1 Wordens Roostertail are productive. For natural baits, opt for fish eggs, worms and flies.

3. Cast from a boat by trolling or drift fishing, especially if you are seeking holdover stocked trout. Use a sliding egg sinker or bobber with a bait hook size six or eight. Suspend bait at depths between five to 30 feet below the surface. Effective trolling techniques include flatline and downrigger.

References

• Carroll County Times: 'Tis the awaited season for trout
• WDFW: Some tips for catching trout
• NJ Skylands: Spring Trout Fishing With Kids

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife: Trout Fishing Facts and Information