How to selectively fish for large trout

written by P. Bach for our German Forum.

In most put 'n' takes, you will be able to find small trout but also large, red flesh trout. These larger trout are rainbow trout that, using a few rearing tricks, have come to develop red flesh.

But, how does one selectively fish for these XXXL trout?

First, it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of catching 'normal' rainbow trout, so, let us talk about increasing the chances considerably of catching the 'big uns'.

First - freshly stocked trout tend to swim to the depth of their rearing tanks, for the main part, 1.00 to 1.50 m. This behaviour lasts roughly 1 - 2 hours. After that, the large trout separate from the rest and withdraw to quieter waters, where they can study their new home…..the lake bed. For the most part, these large trout are solitary fish and are attracted by stationary bait, as opposed to moving bait. I have of course caught a few large trout on moving baits, but have had more success with stationary baits.

Since the large trout are to be found near the lake bed, it is best to use a legering rig with a buoyant hook bait (pop-up). My favourite rig is actually quite simple….but very effective.

First - you need an 8 g pear shaped lead with integral swivel. Thread 0.20 mm diameter main line through the swivel. Thread a rubber stopper onto the main line.

Next - tie a small swivel to the end of the main line. The loops of the hooks (size: 10-12), attached to an 18 cm, 16 cm and 60 cm trace are fitted into the carabineer.

Should the need arise, you can adjust the position of the rubber stopper, to adjust the depth at which the bait is offered. Although, 60 cm above the lake bed is ideal. If you don't receive any bites, you can always attach shot to the trace…to fish a little deeper…about 20 or 30 cm above the lake bed.

Moving on to bait:

In the early part of the year, a small artificial lure, twitched slowly along the bed proves more successful than lures that are offered (stationary) on the bed. (And, I mean really slowly!) It is also important to inject the lure with a little air, to increase its buoyancy.

During the summer months, grasshoppers or crickets bring the required results. And, in autumn and winter, trout roe sometimes brings large trout onto your hook. Milking trout in august and winter can provide you with the necessary reserves.

Additionally, it is advisable to add a pop-up bait, to increase the overall buoyancy. Pop-ups can be soaked overnight in a variety of dips, increasing their effectiveness!

Always successful - bait cocktails, or bait combinations. Personally, I place a beetle or wasp grub onto the hook and kneed a little Powerbait onto the hook shank. The floating Powerbait (trout dough) helps the grub to hover in the water.

Another successful bait is salmon roe sacks. These little sacks are filled with salmon roe and small polystyrene balls, which provide for the necessary buoyancy.

Bait combinations leave a lot of room for experimentation. You can also use a red worm with Powerbait or pop-ups. Don't be surprised though, if instead of the much awaited large trout, you find a heavy catfish or sturgeon on your hook.

Free-running reels have also proven themselves as a useful tool. Used in combination with an electronic bite alarm, you shouldn't miss a bite and can give your full attention to your second rod, if, like me, you don't want to do without a bit of spin fishing. If you have the possible to pre-bait, can replace the pear-shaped sinker with a maggot feeder.

It is also important to ensure that the drag setting on your reel has a fine setting. Anybody, who has battled a large trout, of 12 kg plus, knows why.

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