Posts: 3,535
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
In upstate SC, there are plenty of small streams that hold trout. I'm not sure of the particulars, but they are shallow streams filled with a rock bottom.
When you're planning of fishing a new body of water, like a small stream, how do you go about selecting a spot on that stream to cast on?
How do you find fish in a stream senario like this? What type of tactics would you use?
[signature]
Posts: 7,037
Threads: 156
Joined: Nov 2000
Reputation:
0
I genrally walk the stream looking for spots that "pool up" then cast into the spot where the current enters the pool (letting my bait drift into the pool). Flies work great (dry or wet). I also have had a lot of success with roostertails in both lakes and streams but tend to do better in running water areas like you describe. I cast as close to shore as possible and then retieve across the pool.
Inflated nightcrawlers (so thye semi float) on light line with no wieght has also worked for me in the past.
[signature]
Posts: 1,293
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation:
0
are you planning on fishing with a fly rod, or dunkin' bait? my brothers started teaching me to dry fly fish last year... what a great sport! sounds to me like theangler gave you sound advice. look for areas where feed is washing into pools, as he described. then just add your bait or fly to the selection of food! dont limit yourself to big deep pools though. sometimes a rock in the middle of the stream that provides shelter from the currant will hold feeding fish too. those kinds of "shelter" spots are money on streams!
good luck!
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
All the above suggestions are good. May I add to it?
I will also tend to look for the "Eddys" or the back flowing currents. Logs and other structure that creates a disturbance and reduction in the flow are some of the key locations.
With the night crawler set up, I usually like to put a 1/4 oz split shot about 18 to 24 inches above the hook. It helps to give a more natural effect to the worm.
Don't forget to peel off some of your 40# test and replace it with a 2 or 4# leader. ha ha.
If you have a 6lb set up, that would be ideal with the smaller leader on the last 8 to 10 feet of it. Trout are line shy and they won't let you get away with bigger flourocarbon or "Vanish", "Transition" or other types of line.[cool]
[signature]
Posts: 3,535
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
LOL, Dang Steve, not all my tackle is heavy.[  ] I have my share of ultra lite tackle too. [cool]
I just figured it would be nice to try a new species for a change. I saw one of Fishhounds campsite recipe's for trout, and figured if I want to try it out, I have to catch a trout first. LOL, I've never fished for trout, and i'd like to take a field trip up north a spell and give'r a try.
OK, so I need ultra light spinning tackle, around 6 pound test. A top shot of #2 or #4 flourocarbon and a rooster tail.
How about replacing the trebble hook with a shiney chartruess trebble. Don't trout like shine?
Are trout a fish you can still target in the warmer months, or only the months that are cold and misrable?
Any other gear you guys would reccomend for my field trip?[cool]
[signature]
Posts: 1,293
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation:
0
stream fishing for trout is best in warm months! (when good hatches are going on) i wont even start fishing streams again until the end of april.
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
Trout can be available all year if the water temperature is right. Generally once the water temp gets above 60, the trout will no longer spawn. Over 65 it drives them deep. Over 70 it brings them back to the top. Belly up[pirate]
As far as hooks go, you will nead to conceal the hook to. They are not only line shy but they are hook shy as well. If you really want to scare the crap out of a trout, use the red hooks. That will really keep them away.
A treble hook is recommended if you are going to use Power Bait. Put a small ball of bait on a #14 or 16 treble, 1/4 oz split shot at 12 inches for lakes, 18-24 inches for a stream.
Also take your night crawlers with you and a worm blower. The blower allows you to inject air into the crawler for floatation. Same set up with the split shot.
For another flashy option you may want to arm yourself with a 1/12oz Kastmaster. 1 Silver and 1 Gold color. They love flashy things in the water.
Sounds kind of weird how they are hook and line shy but they will hit on lures that have the hooks exposed. Go figure.
Depending on the are that you are going to you may want to take some salmon eggs too. If the Trout you are targeting are "Hatchery Pets" then they won't even know what to do with a salmon egg.
If you are in waters that reach the ocean by means of a tributary, then salmon eggs will work well. You would also have a chance for a Steelhead.[cool]
[signature]
Posts: 3,535
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
That's great news. LOL, I don't know why, but I always associated trout with cold weather conditions. I've got to look it up and see if there is a season on them or not. If i'm not mistaken, some states have seasons on trout.
I'm actually thinking of going to Chimney Rock, NC and trying it there. Unless there is somewhere closer in the state to go.
I guess I could post that question on the trip planning board. Ha HA HA [ ]
I'd like to try fly fishing, but i've never done it and i'm a little intimidated by the thought of trying it. I just don't see where it would be as fun as fishing with a regular fishing pole. LOL, I know i'm fixing to get attacked for that comment, bring it on! Convince me other wise, and i'll buy a fly fishing pole. [cool]
[signature]
Posts: 1,293
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation:
0
you know, i thought the same thing. why would i want to fish with a fly rod? it only took a few missed strikes to change my mind. i like dry fly fishing because its so visual. its topwater, watching for the strike and then setting the hook at just the right moment. it took me several attempts before finally hooking one! i didnt think anything could compete with my desire to fish with my downriggers... now i will do both. (but still mostly downrigging and vertical jigging lakes)
tubeN2 is right, trout are available at all times of the year. when its cold most of the action is subsurface on wet flies, lures, and baits. i have yet to be sold on wet fly fishing as it lacks that topwater excitement... but, maybe i'll come around!
ive caught trout all winter through the ice, so you can still get plenty of them!
[signature]
Posts: 3,535
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
Cool Beans. I know Flygoddess posted a link for me on another thread that looked like a good deal. I'm thinking hard about purchasing it. [cool]
[signature]
Posts: 4,244
Threads: 12
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
My 2cts, I have always done better for trout in cool water. Spring or fall. It may just be a NewEngland thing, but it has worked for me.
[signature]
Posts: 1,293
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2005
Reputation:
0
fall can be amazing here too, but spring is not. im sure you dont get the snow runoff there in new england though! that really fouls up the rivers here in the west, although small tributaries can be good as trout look for shelter from the extreme flows of spring!
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
Hey Tarpon4me. I was just thinking of one of my favorite spots out there. This may be a little drive for you but have you ever thought of fishing the Hiawasee River???
I made several trips out to NC during the 90s. Always drove by the river while going from Chatanooga TN to Murphy NC. I finally stopped one day with a fly rod in hand and nailed me a nice 11lb rainbow.
Since I had no where to store it on a business trip, I let the little guy go. There are lots of Rainbows and Browns in that area from what the locals had told me. I didn't believe them untill I finally pulled one out.
I'm sure it would be worth the drive if you wanted to check it out.[cool]
[signature]
Posts: 3,535
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
I've never heard of that river.......I'll look it up and see what's the deal. [cool]
[signature]
Posts: 26,682
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2003
Reputation:
0
My last few trips through that neck of the woods were just before, during and after the 96 olympics. The were doing the Kayak races there and ruined my fishing anywhere near the Ocoee Damn.
I think I misspelled the River name. It is the Hiwasee River. There is alot of beautiful scenery there since it is in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A funny thing happened during that time too. I was able to get out of a speeding and tailgating ticket.
A County Mounty pulled me over and asked me how fast that I think that I was going. I told him that I wasn't sure but I was in control.
He also told me that I was following too close to the car in front of me and in his eyes, I was tailgating. I apologized and told him that where I was from they don't call it Tailgating but they call it "Drafting".
Realizing that I was a Nascar fan, he tore up the ticket and told me to have a nice day.[cool]
[signature]
|
