Trout

Question
Hello, how are you doing? I want to start fishing for trout in a stream near where I live. I live in Virginia and the stream is the Smith River. The stream is not very wide and it seems that you can see clear to the bottom. I want to fish from the bank but I am not sure the correct way to go about doing this. What type of bait is the best for bank fishing? Since the stream is always moving should I sit the rod down or hold it? Since it is winter does that cause the fish not to be as active? Any other advice or tips you can give me will gladly be appreciated?

Thank you

Answer
Hello Cameron...
The first thing to consider when trout fishing, particularly in a stream as clear as the Smith River, is stealth. Trout quickly spot movement along the bank, and even heavy footfalls will alert them to your presence. Look for the deepest, darkest sections of water, especially those just downstream from large rocks, or under trees and bushes along the bank; trout favor such spots. Remember too that trout need plenty of oxygen, and there's more of that in and alongside small rapids and riffles in the water; avoid totally still, slack water.

Trout aren't as active in winter as during the rest of the year, but small spinners often do the trick, as do small spoons. Cast these quartering upstream, let them sink nearly to the bottom, then begin a slow retrieve, letting the current do most of the work. Trout will often strike such lures just as they begin to swing in towards the bank. I'd recommend the Mepps line of spinners in different colors, including a few with bucktails. Don't use any larger than 1/4 ounce, depending on the current you'll be fishing in. Another great line of spinners that work real well are the Panther Martin series, sames sizes as the Mepps.

Bait fishing for trout is many times effective too. Fat nightcrawler worms, single salmon eggs, corn, and bits of cheese can do the trick for you. One dynamite bait that's common out here in the west comes in a bottle and is like play dough. It's bright and flourescent and comes in a couple of colors. Just mold a glob on the hook, add a sinker to get it down to the bottom, and toss it into any likely-looking pool. It's okay when bait fishing for trout to put your rod down if you'd like, maybe propped up so you can keep an eye on the tip; trout usually don't immediately gobble down bait but nibble and pick at it for a time before swallowing.

Hope all of this helps you land a bunch of 'em. Good luck!