How To Catch Rainbow Trout In a Lake

In this post I will outline how to catch rainbow trout in a lake using a very popular method, still fishing. Although trout can be caught using a variety of other techniques, still fishing is a difficult tactic to beat when it comes to catching rainbow trout in a lake. This type of fishing is the best way to fish while using the various dough style trout baits that are so effective when it comes to fishing for rainbow trout in lake and pond fishing situations.

The first thing that you are going to need is a rod holder of some sort to keep your fishing rod completely stationary while you are waiting on a trout to bite. A forked stick that you stick in the ground will work fine, as well as propping your rod against a rock or even your tackle box, but the point is that your rod needs to be completely stationary while you are waiting on the trout to bite.
Now we come to the rig that will be used. Here is exactly how I set up my rig anytime I am still fishing for rainbow trout in a lake. I start by taking the end of my line and slipping an egg sinker onto the line. I then tie a small barrel swivel to the end of my line, which acts as a "stopper" for the sinker. Now the sinker is "floating free" on my line, which means that when a rainbow bites it will feel no resistance from the sinker. I then tie an 18-24 inch leader (length of fishing line) to the opposite end of the swivel and my fishing hook to the end of the leader. I usually use a #12 or #18 treble hook or a set or #10 gang hooks (which already have a leader attached) as my fishing hook choice.

At this point trout flavored dough bait such as Powerbait is added to the fishing hook or hooks and the rig is cast into the lake. When the bait hits the water, keep the bail of your reel open and allow the sinker to sink all the way to the bottom. Once the sinker is on the bottom all of the slack line is slowly reeled in and the rod is placed on your rod holder. Once stationary, make sure that your line is completely taught. Now it's time to wait.

My general rule of thumb is to wait for thirty minutes to an hour. If you get no bites reel in, check your bait and recast. You will know when you have a bite from a hungry rainbow trout when the rod tip begins to bounce. Normally it won't be too aggressive, but sometimes a trout will just grab the bait and take of, so you always want to stay within a reasonable distance of your rod. In any case, this is how to catch a rainbow trout in a lake.