Trout fishing techniques and etiquette
ALBANY, N.Y. » The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has provided the following trout fishing methods and fishing etiquette tips.
FISHING METHODS
When fishing for trout in streams, it’s best to work your way upstream (against the current) whenever possible. This is especially important when fishing for wild or spooky fish. Trout usually face into the current and will be less likely to see you approaching from behind.
Wear camouflage clothing or “natural colors,” and try to avoid brightly colored clothing and hats. Move slowly and disturb the water as little as possible. Polarized glasses will aid you when wading and for seeing fish and fish-holding areas.
A good option is to fish your way upstream with a fast-moving bait like a spinner and then fish back downstream with a slower presentation like a worm or small jig. The faster bait allows you to cover water quickly and to catch aggressive fish. The slower bait works well for fish you may have spooked on your first pass or fish that are less aggressive.
When fishing for trout you will usually be fishing stream pockets, pools and runs:
Pocket — located in riffles or rapids, this is a small area of calm or protected water located behind a boulder or rock that provides shelter or a holding spot for fish.
When fishing pocket water, you will be targeting the slack water areas behind rocks and boulders. These current breaks provide trout a location to hold and dart out for passing food. To fish pocket water, cast your bait upstream of the current break and allow your bait to drift along the edge of the slack water. After working both edges, start working your way into the slack water area.
Pool — area where the water is slower and deeper than other water areas in the stream. A pool contains three parts: upper end (called the head) where riffles or rapids feed into the pool; central portion or main body of the pool; and the lower end (called the tail or tail out) where the riffles or rapids begin again below the pool.
Actively feeding fish are usually found at the head and tail sections of the pool. Pools, being deeper than runs or pocket-water, generally require using more weight to get your bait down. When fishing the head of the pool, cast your bait into the current and allow your bait to flow into the deeper part of the pool.
The tail of the pool, being shallower, requires using a little more stealth to fish. Cast your bait into the middle of the pool and allow it to drift into and through the tail section. It’s good to cover the whole pool looking for fish. Fish will often hold near any structure in the pool, such as logs, rocks, bridge pilings, or overhanging vegetation. It definitely pays to work these areas.
Run — area where a stream flow narrows, caused by either the river banks or bottom structure. A run is deeper than a rapid, but not as deep as a pool.
Runs are generally fished more efficiently with spinners, spoons or streamers. Bait will also work drifted through the run; however, it is often trickier to get the right amount of weight for a good drift. Suspending your bait under a float (bobber) often helps. As with pools, fish will often hold near any structure in the run, and it pays to work these areas.
STREAM ETIQUETTE
At times, the fishing pressures can be heavy and stream etiquette can go a long way in making everyone’s day a pleasurable one. Elbow room to fish is a common courtesy. The stationary or slow moving angler should be given room by over taking them noiselessly out of the water and re-entering as far away as practical.
Wading right up to another angler could disturb a pod of feeding fish, and no one appreciates this type of conduct. Pleasant conversations are OK, so long as you don’t disturb other anglers. Remember, elbow room to fish is a common courtesy.
CATCH AND RELEASE
There’s nothing wrong with keeping some fish for the frying pan. Fish are delicious and eating a few fresh fish is a great way of capping off a fun day of fishing. If you plan on releasing fish though, there are some steps you can take to help improve the survival of the fish.
Methods for Releasing Fish:
Use barbless hooks; they cause less damage to the fish. Playing a fish for just a short time increases its chance of survival. Do not play a fish longer than necessary. Wet your hands before touching a fish that is to be released. Dry skin will remove the mucous coating on trout. Avoid touching the gills.
Use of a landing net also increases the survival rate of a trout.
Gently push the hook out and cradle the fish in your hand, underwater and facing upstream.
After a moment, allow the fish to swim free. If the fish turns upside down, catch it and revive it as stated above.
DIDYMO
Didymo, rock snot, is a non-native invasive algae that forms a thick brown mat on stream bottoms, threatening aquatic habitat, biodiversity and recreational opportunities. Didymo can be spread by drifting downstream, clinging to boots, fishing gear, waders, boats and trailers. Cleaning your gear can help prevent the spread of didymo.
REGULATIONS
Check current fishing regulations for the stream you are fishing by checking both the Statewide and Special Regulations by County sections of your fishing guide.