How To Catch Trout - Rainbow Trout Fishing 101

If you want to know how to catch trout, the rainbow trout is probably the most important species of "trout" to learn about, mainly because the rainbow trout is the most plentiful and readily available species of trout that can to be fished for and caught in most areas. I have been fishing for and catching "rainbows" for more than two decades and in that time have learned that the most important aspects to catching these beautiful fish consistently are that some basic ideas are mastered. Fishing for and catching rainbow trout certainly couldn't be compared to quantum physics, but the bottom line is that learning and mastering some of the basics will go a long way towards not only learning how to catch trout, but also catching trout on a consistent basis.

In this article I will draw upon my twenty plus years of experience to outline some of these basics. Kind of a little rainbow trout fishing 101 "class" if you will. This "class" will go a long way towards making you a much more successful angler when it comes to fishing for the muti-colored beauties known as rainbow trout. Rainbows can be caught in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds using many different techniques that employ both fly fishing gear and spin fishing gear. I have always chosen to use traditional spin fishing gear when fishing for rainbow trout so this "course" will include tips and techniques for using this type of fishing gear.

1. An Ultra Light Rod & Reel Are A Must - Using an ultra light rod and reel is a must when fishing for rainbow trout mainly because ultra light gear is designed specifically for using light fishing line and using light fishing line is also a "must" when it comes to fishing for these fish. This is a mistake that all to many people make when learning how to catch trout. Using an ultra light rod and reel which is spooled with light line also makes hooking and landing trout much more enjoyable, as many times rainbow trout can be between ten and fifteen inches in length.


2. Drift Fishing With Live Worms is an Effective Technique - When fishing for these beautiful fish in the flowing water of a river or stream, "drift fishing" with a live worm is an extremely effective technique to use. I have been rainbow trout fishing using this "drift fishing" technique ever since I originally learned how to catch trout more than two decades ago.


3. Cleaning Your Hands Is Important - All species of freshwater trout have a very sensitive sense of smell and can easily detect any unnatural scents on the food source that they are about to eat. Human scents will transfer easily to your bait or lure through your fingers as you touch them, and this can cause a weary trout not to bite your offering. For this reason you always want to "clean" your hands of any unnatural scents that may be present before touching your bait or lure. This can be accomplished by rubbing a handful of dirt in your hands before touching any of your bait or lure when you are on the water.

Whether you are just learning how to catch trout or have been fishing for trout for years, there is little doubt that the aforementioned tips will make you more effective the next time that you head out in search of our friends' the rainbow trout.