Still Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Although my favorite manner in which to catch a rainbow trout (or any fish for that matter) is while I am standing in the flowing waters of a river, I am by no means a "trout fishing snob" and realize that many a rainbow is caught while fishing in a lake or pond. Make no mistake, in the spring of the year when the rivers and streams in my area become to high and muddy to effectively drift fish you will often find me still fishing for rainbow trout.

Therefore, I figured it was a good idea to outline the personal method that I use to still fish for rainbow

trout. Although the method isn't a state secret or anything, it is nonetheless very effective and should be known by any trout fisherman who enjoys the act of still fishing. So, for those of you who may not know, still fishing refers to the fact that the bait is "sitting still" while you are fishing. In other words a hook is baited and cast into a lake, then the bait is allowed to "sit still" until a inquisitive rainbow trout bites the offering.

The rudimentary picture that you see to the right is the rig that I personally use anytime that I am still fishing for rainbow trout.  It's very simple, but at the same time, very effective.

As far as the best bait to use when you are still fishing for trout, it's hard to go wrong with Berkley Powerbait or Berkley Power Eggs.   Rainbow trout (especially trout that have been stocked) love these baits!  The only difference that I've noticed between the two is that the eggs are easier to deal with and bait a hook with that traditional Powerbait.  Although, if you are using a small treble hook (I suggest #12 or #18) traditional Powerbait is much easier to use, because you can just mold it around your hook creating a small ball of trout bait.

Once you have a rig such as the one pictured above baited up and ready it is cast out and allowed to sink to the bottom.  Once on bottom, the slack line is slowly reeled in and your fishing rod is propped against a stationary object or rested on a forked stick or other rod holder.  At this point, the still fishing begins.

Still fishing for rainbow trout means waiting for a hungry trout to bite your offering.  My general "rule of thumb" is to wait 20-30 minutes and if there haven't been any bites, I reel and and re cast.  If this happens more than 2 times, I change spots.  And just in case you didn't know, when a hungry trout is biting your offering the tip of your rod will begin to bounce, at which time your gently pick up your rod and as soon as you feel weight, set the hook by lifting your rod straight back.

What was just outlined is the way in which I have caught hundreds of rainbow trout over the course of a couple of decades.  Although very simple, the technique is very effective and because it has worked for me, I know it will be very effective for you as well anytime that you feel the need to head out fishing for trout.