Basic Trout Fishing on Lake Taneycomo

Basic Trout Fishing

Four main ingredients are needed for a successful trout fishing trip:

1. Two to four-pound line is a must when using almost any kind of trout bait or lures. There are a few exceptions. Bigger crank baits like Rapalas and Rouges are larger spoons and spinners require heavier line such as six- or eight-pound test. The line should be green or clear, not incandescent or blue. Monofilament is good. Flurocarbon in ok. Braided line I wouldn't recomend.

2. A good ultra-light rod and reel are the best. The rod should be five- to seven-foot long with medium to light action. The reel needs to be one that holds plenty of line with a good drag system.

3. Small weights, hooks or lure are important because hook size is critical. Trout, especially rainbows, have small, soft mouths. Numbers 6, 8 and 10 are average sizes for any type of bait used. Short, bronze hooks are recomended. Weights should only be heavy enough for successful casting. You won't be able to feel the trout bite if there's too much weight.

4. Patience and a light hand complete the presentation. Trout typically don't strike hard. They tend to pick at their food like a little kid eating spinach. I've witnessed rainbows taking a piece of worm in their mouths only to blow tearing it off the hook. Are they smart? It seems so. But don't give them too much credit. Generally they are easy to catch.

Bait Fishing with no Water Running

There are several techniques to catch trout. One of the most popular and easiest is bait fishing. When the water is not moving, sit in one spot, whether on the bank, on a dock or in a boat. Throw your bait out, let it sink to the bottom, and leave it there, drawing in slack line after the bait hits the bottom. Either hold the rod or set it down until the line moves or the rod tip jerks. Set the hook sharply, then reel. Don't get into a hurry -- enjoy the fight. That's what it's all about. It's a good idea to have a net handy. Trout mouths are soft, and the hook will tear out right at the edge of your reach. When fishing from a boat, the technique is basically the same. Anchor in a good spot, throw out your line and let the bait settle to the bottom. Wait for the strike and set the hook.

Bait Fishing During Generation (moving water)

From the dock or bank, throw upstream using a little more weight. Let the bait sink and bump along the gravel bottom. Trout stay close to the bottom, looking for food drifting by. The strike will feel different than the bumping, like a pull and bump. Set the hook sharply -- harder than still fishing because there will be more slack in your line from the current. One thing to remember: The harder the water is running, the more weight you will need to get to the bottom, but too much weight will cause you to hang up more often. When drifting, position your boat sideways in the current. This allows everyone in the boat to fish directly behind the boat and cause fewer tangles. A drift rig is a pre-made rig with about 36 inches of four-pound line. A hook is tied to one end and and a weight tied to the other. A loop is then tied towards the sinker side of the middle. This is where the line from your rod and reel is attached.

We recommend using a snap swivel. Drag the bait along the bottom as before. The strike will feel the same but a little different than the bumping with a bump-pull-soft bump. It does take time and a little experience to feel the difference in a bite and the bottom.