How to Trout Fish in a Stream Using a Spinning Rod

Spinning equipment is good for beginning stream trout anglers.

Trout fishing in streams is synonymous with fly rods and reels, but many fishermen -- especially beginners -- choose spinning rods and reels. Other times, streams are simply too narrow for anglers to use an effective fly-fishing technique. Whether they are using spinning or fly rods, though, stream trout anglers must present their baits properly in order to induce a strike from a hungry trout.

Things You'll Need

• 4-pound line
• Spinners
• Jigs
• Grubs
• Split shot weights
• No. 10-14 hooks

Instructions

1. Select a 6- to 6.5-foot, medium-action spinning rod. Attach to it a spinning reel spooled with 4-pound test monofilament line.

2. Tie a live-bait rig to the end of the line. The rig consists, in order, of a split shot weight or two attached to the line about 6 inches above a size 10-14 hook. Place a night crawler on the hook. If you have a second rod, tie to it a spinner ranging in size from 1/16-ounce to 1/4-ounce. Another good bait is a 1/16-ounce jig and 2-inch grub.

3. Make a short cast and let the night crawler float downstream, through likely areas such as eddies, pools and undercut banks. Keep the spool of the reel open so the night crawler can pull line off as the bait floats downstream.

4. Cast spinners, jigs and grubs to likely areas. Rather than let them float downstream, cast them out and reel them back near the bottom of the stream. Cast the lures to areas like sunken logs and timber, or undercut banks, and reel them so they swim right past the cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear neutral-colored clothes. Trout in streams can be wary, and if you are wearing bright colors, you may spook them before they ever see your bait.

References

• Minnesota DNR: Basic Trout Fishing Tactics

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Animated Knots: The Palomar Knot