When it comes to trout fishing certain baits are more productive than others at certain times of the year. In this article I will outline which trout baits are most effective during which seasons, and some tips for using them. This information has been learned during more than 25 years of trout fishing from Pennsylvania to Alaska.
Are these baits the only trout baits that can be used during each season? Of course not, but they are the baits that have been the most successful in my experience. Use this information to your advantage and you will be a much more successful trout angler. I think it’s important to point out that the best trout fishing tips in the world is to spend as much time on the water as you can. There is simply no substitute for experience.
With that being said, let’s get down to business, shall we?
- Spring Trout Fishing: The spring is when trout season begins in many areas of the United States. At this time of the year many times rivers and streams are running high and fast making fishing for trout quite difficult. The best trout bait when fishing for trout in the spring is probably salmon eggs. This is when many species of trout spawn, making eggs the perfect trout bait.
- Summer Trout Fishing: The summer is the season when most anglers start thinking about trout fishing. Summer is a great time of year to throw small spinners and spoons. As the weather gets warmer and warmer, trout become more and more active, making small spinners and spoons the perfect trout bait. Varying the speed of your retrieve is a great tip to trigger strikes from hungry trout.
- Fall Trout Fishing: The fall is the best (and most overlooked) time of the year to catch trout. While many anglers are thinking about football and hunting, serious trout fishermen are thinking about fishing for trout. This is also the best season for catching large trout. In my experience the best trout fishing bait for most seasons is the good old live worm, and this is especially true during fall trout fishing. A live worm rigged on a set of gang hooks and allowed to flow naturally through the current of your favorite trout river is an extremely effective technique.
- Winter Trout Fishing: The winter is the most difficult season to catch trout, especially in really cold area’s. As water temperatures cool to extreme temperatures trout become much less active, making then difficult to catch. During the winter season you want to downsize you bait, making maggots and meal worms a good trout bait choice. This is also a good time of the year to add scents to your bait in order to make your offering even more attractive.
These bait tips will make you a more effective trout angler during every season. Remember, these aren’t the only baits that can be used during each season; they are simply a good place to start and the trout baits that have been most effective for me.
