How to Fish Trout in a River

Explore this Article

parts

1Choosing a Rod and Lures

2Finding a Fishing Spot

3Casting and Working the Lure

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

Related Articles

References

Trout is a common species of freshwater fish that can be cooked into a delicious meal. There are many varieties found in the wild, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. If you want to try fishing for trout, you can easily catch them in rivers or streams. Start by getting fishing equipment, such as a rod, reel, line, and lures, made for catching trout. Search for a river or stream in your area that you can access and has a known trout population. Be patient while you’re fishing and reel the trout in as soon as they bite so you can catch them. Just remember to check your local regulations for permit information and catch limits!

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Rod and Lures

1. 
   1
   Choose a spinning rod that’s 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m) long. Spinning rods are designed to hold spinning reels and work best for casting lightweight lures accurately. Try to find a lightweight rod that’s able to support baits that weigh ¹⁄₁₆ ounce (1.8 g) or less. Make sure the rod is somewhere between 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) long so you can cast your line without getting it caught up in overhanging branches.

   • You can buy spinning rods from your local sporting goods or outdoor specialty store.
   • If you plan on fly fishing, pick a fly rod that’s between 7 ¹⁄₂–9 feet (2.3–2.7 m) long. Fly fishing rods are categorized by weight classes that are different than standard ones, so get a rod labeled 4- or 6-weight, which is best for trout and fishing rivers.
2. 
   2
   Use a medium spinning reel on your rod. A spinning reel keeps slack on the line so it’s less likely to break, and it is very easy to cast. Get a spinning reel that’s meant for regular freshwater use and can hold around 100 yards (91 m) of line. Attach the reel to the rod at the top of the handle and tighten it securely.

   • You can buy a spinning reel from an outdoor specialty or sporting goods store.
   • If you’re fly fishing, get a fly reel that holds at least 50 yards (46 m) of line.
3. 
   3
   Select a 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg) fishing line for your reel. Trout usually only grow to 8 pounds (3.6 kg), so the line you use needs to support that much weight. Choose a clear monofilament line that’s at least 50–100 yards (46–91 m) long for your rod. Tie a knot around the reel’s spool and slowly spin the handle to guide the line onto it.

   • Avoid using thicker or heavier lines since it may spook the trout and keep them from biting.
   • If you’re fly fishing, use 50 yards (46 m) of 8 lb (3.6 kg) dacron fly backing on the reel first. Then tie a 9–12 ft (2.7–3.7 m) tapered leader onto the end of the fly backing. Finally, attach a 2–4 ft (61–122 cm) 4X tippet, which is the thinnest gauge line that attaches to the fly.
4. 
   4
   Put a split shot about 18 in (46 cm) from the end of the line. A split shot is a small weight attached to your line that keeps your lure underwater after you cast it. Pinch the end of the split shot to open the jaws on the other side. Place the split shot 18 inches (46 cm) from the end of your fishing line so it doesn’t weigh the lure down to the river bed.

   • You can buy split shots at sporting goods stores or online.
   • If you need to remove the split shot, pinch the end again and simply pull it off the line.
   • Don’t add split shots to your line if you’re fly fishing since the bait needs to stay on the water’s surface.
5. 
   5
   Try spinner or minnow imitation lures when you use artificial baits. Spinners work well on small- to medium-sized trout, while minnow imitations tend to catch larger fish. If you want spinners, choose ones that weigh ¹⁄₁₆ ounce (1.8 g) and are silver or gold so they mimic the colors of trout’s natural prey. If you want minnow imitations, look for lures that are 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) long that have silver or green colors. Make sure either lure you choose has size 8 hooks to catch the trout.

   • You can attach your own bait hooks to lures if you can’t find any in the right size.
   • If you’re fly fishing, choose baits that look similar to the insect species in the area where you’re fishing. You may need to visit the area first or talk to local anglers to see what types of insects are abundant.

   Tip: If you’re catching and releasing trout, opt for barbless hooks so they’re easier to remove.
6. 
   6
   Put live worms or crickets on circular hooks if you want to use natural bait. If you’re using worms, push the hook through it in at least 2 different places so it’s less likely to fall off in the current. Try to conceal as much of the hook as you can since trout won’t usually strike the bait if they see it. If you’re using crickets, guide the hook through the solid parts of their bodies behind their front legs.

   • Don’t use any natural bait if you’re fly fishing since it won’t float on the surface or look like a native fly to the area.
   • Some areas don’t allow you to use natural baits, so check with your local fishing regulations before buying bait.
   Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding a Fishing Spot

1. 
   1
   Try fishing in the spring or fall for the best chances at catching trout. Trout prefer living in cold, clear water, so they tend to gather in rivers before and after water temperatures rise. Wait until the middle of spring when it starts to get warmer since that’s when trout tend to spawn. If you’re fishing in the fall, wait until the hottest days have passed so you’re more likely to find fish.

   • You may be able to find trout during the summer and winter, but they may not be as common.

   Warning: Your area may have a fishing season for trout, so be sure to check if there are specific dates listed before you go fishing.
2. 
   2
   Look at a river map of the area to see where you’re allowed to fish. Many areas have a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or a similar government agency that tracks fish population and lists rivers where you can find them. Check online or at a local outdoor specialty store to see if there are any rivers nearby where you can fish. Try to find a river that has the species of trout you want to catch that you can easily access.

   • You need to have public access to the river or permission from the landowner in order to fish in it.
3. 
   3
   Search for areas in the river that have deep, slow water. While you can find trout in many places along the river, they usually wait in slower, colder water for prey to come downstream. Look for spots in the morning or evening where fast-moving water slows down and gets deeper. Pay attention to any large rocks or logs in the river, since trout may swim behind them to avoid the current.

   • Trout usually gather at the front or back of areas with slow water.
   • Look for multiple spots along the river where you can fish so you can try catching trout from different places.
4. 
   4
   Reach out to other anglers to learn where the fish bite. Visit a bait shop or outdoor specialty store and talk to the employees to see if they know of any areas where you can fish for trout. Check online to see if there are any fishing forums for the area so you can see where other anglers have been successful in the past. Write down any of the spots you hear about so you can look them up.

   • You can also hire outdoor guides if you’re new to the area. The guides will take you to good fishing spots and tell you what types of lures they’ve used in the past.
5. 
   5
   Check the catch limits in your area before you start fishing. Every state, and even some rivers, have specific restrictions on how many trout you can catch throughout the day. Check with the area’s DNR or equivalent agency and make sure you’re familiar with all of the fishing regulations. When you fish, don’t keep any more fish than what you’re allowed since it’s illegal.

   • The catch limit depends on the trout species and the size of the natural population.
   • Some species may be labeled “catch and release,” which means you cannot keep anything that you catch.
   Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Casting and Working the Lure

1. 
   1
   Stand on the river bank or carefully wade into the water. Look for a spot on the bank that doesn’t have a lot of overhanging branches, or else you could snag your fishing line. If you want to stand in the water while you fish, wear rubber waders to keep your clothes dry. Try to stand where there’s flat river bed without a lot of stones so you’re less likely to slip.

   • Don’t try to stand in rivers that have a fast current since they could pull you underwater.
2. 
   2
   Cast your line upstream ahead of slow water. Keep about 1 foot (30 cm) of line hanging from the end of the rod, and open the switch on the reel. Aim for the spot just before the slow, deep pocket of water. Swing the tip of the rod behind you so it goes over your shoulder. Bring the rod forward again to release the line.

   • Make sure there’s nothing behind or above you where the line could snag.
   • Avoid casting the line downstream since the movement may look unusual when you start reeling it in.
3. 
   3
   Guide your lure in the same direction as the current. Keep the tip of your rod high above the water so the line doesn’t drag on the surface. As the lure floats down the river, reel in your line so it doesn’t have any slack, or else it could snag on something in the water. Move the tip of the rod as your line moves downstream to keep it taut.

   • If the lure reaches the edge of the slow water, reel the line back in and try casting it again. After 4–5 casts without a bite, try a different spot along the river.
4. 
   4
   Set the hook when you feel a fish bite on the line. If you notice the line pulling out from the rod quickly or tip bending more than usual, a trout may have struck your line. When the trout bites, pull the rod tip quickly in the opposite direction that the line is moving. Keep pulling until you feel the weight of the fish on your line before easing up the tension so you don’t snap the line.

   • Many times when you’re fishing in a river, you’ll pull your rod in the same direction as the current.
5. 
   5
   Reel the fish into a net quickly. Turn the handle on your reel to bring the fish in at a steady pace. Keep the tip of the rod pointed in the direction that the fish is moving so the line is less likely to snap. Keep reeling the fish in until you have about 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) of line left. Raise the rod to lift the fish and drop it into a net.

   • If you’re fishing with someone else, have them net the fish so you can focus on reeling it in.
6. 
   6
   Release the trout if it’s required in your area. Wet your hands in the river before handling the fish so you don’t remove any of the natural oils on its scales. Wrap your hand around the trout’s body and slowly pull the hook out from its mouth with your hands or a pair of pliers. Lower the fish into the water and keep holding it until it starts struggling. Let go of the fish and let it swim away.

   • Catch and release laws depend on the species and natural population.
   • Try to keep the fish underwater as much as possible so you don’t put more stress on it.

   Tip: If you aren’t able to get the hook out, cut as much of the line or hook as you can with a pair of snips. The hook will rust or break away on its own.
7. 
   7
   Clean the trout immediately if you plan on keeping it. Push the blade of a knife directly behind the fish’s eye to stun it so it doesn’t struggle while you clean it. Slice its belly from the tail up to the gills. Make a cut through the trout’s lower jaw and put your finger inside. Pull down toward the tail to get rid of the internal organs. Scrap the dark blood line along the fish’s spine with your thumb.

   • It’s illegal in many areas to keep trout alive after you catch them since they require a high amount of oxygen that you cannot provide in a bucket or livewell.
   • If you aren’t able to clean the fish right away, push your knife blade behind the trout’s eye to dispatch it.
   • Keep the fish you catch in a container with ice or a creel, which is a basket used for holding fish.
   Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

• Clean all of your gear when you’re finished fishing to help prevent the spread of invasive species, such as algae.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

Advertisement

Warnings

• Check with your local laws and regulations since you may need a fishing license or permit.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0
• Don’t disturb or cast near other anglers since you could affect their fishing or hurt them with the hook.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0
• Don’t stand in rivers that have a strong current since you could easily get pulled under the water.
  Thanks

  Helpful0Not Helpful0

Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

• 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m) fishing rod
• Medium spinning reel
• 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg) fishing line
• #5 split shot
• Spinners or minnow imitation lures
• Worms or crickets
• Fishing net
• Knife