As the mercury drops, trout fishing can become more challenging, but with the right techniques and lures, you can catch more fish this autumn. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you succeed:
Understanding Trout Behavior in Fall
During fall, trout tend to focus on eating more substantial meals, such as baitfish, chubs, shiners, and crayfish. This shift in diet makes spin fishing an effective method for catching them.
Big River Breakdown
When fishing big rivers, consider the following:
- Gearing Up: Use standard bass spinning gear, such as a 7-foot, medium-heavy rod with a sensitive tip and plenty of backbone. Spooled with 15-pound braided line, this setup allows for longer casts and better sensitivity.
- Essential Lures:
- Suspending Jerkbaits: Look for jerkbaits that dive 3 to 5 feet and hover in place when paused. Brands like Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue Junior are great options.
- Soft-Plastic Jigs: Use curly-tail grubs in white and brown or slim-profile swimbaits with paddle tails, such as the 3.5-inch Tremor Shad from Jenko Fishing.
- Large In-Line Spinners: Upsize your spinners for big water, but be aware that they may not be as effective in colder water.
Top Locations for Big-River Trout
- Inside Turns: Fish the inside of river bends where the current creates a soft, slow spot.
- Sharp Drops: Target banks with steep drops, especially where the bottom transitions from shallow to deep water.
- Big Eddies: Fish wide, swirling eddies, but be aware that fish can relocate within these areas.
Small Stream Breakdown
When fishing small streams, consider the following:
- Gearing Up: Use ultra-light rods (6-6.5 feet) with fast action and 4-pound fluorocarbon line for more delicate presentations.
- Essential Lures:
- Small Suspending Jerkbaits: Look for tiny jerkbaits like the 2.5-inch Rapala X-Rap or the 2 ¾-inch Yo-Zuri Pin’s Minnow.
- Trout Magnets: These small soft-plastics are deadly on small streams, especially later in the fall.
- Small In-Line Spinners: Effective in early fall when water temperatures are warmer.
Top Locations for Small-Stream Trout
- Deep Straightaways: Target areas with muted flows and a mix of rocks and soft bottom.
- Tail-Outs: Fish the bottom of riffles or runs where the current slows down.
- Hard Seams: Look for areas where faster current meets slower water.
Additional Tips
- Check Local Regulations: Be aware of trout breeding seasons and avoid targeting actively spawning fish.
- Practice Catch-and-Release: Handle fish gently and release them quickly to help conserve trout populations.
- Continuously Learn: Stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, lures, and gear to improve your chances of catching more fish.
By following these tips and adapting to the changing behaviors of trout in the fall, you can increase your chances of landing more fish this season.
Image/Source: OL
