Trolling is an effective and popular method of fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. Rainbow trout is a freshwater fish, and a proper trolling method makes an easy way to catch them on lakes and reservoirs.
Trolling not only means presenting the lures behind the boat. The technique has various concepts, utilization, and more.
Trolling has a lot to learn, especially when you are a newbie. A simple mistake can slow you down, so every tip should follow correctly.
Tips for Catching Rainbow Trout while Trolling
Trolling for trout in murky water is challenging. The condition also gives great opportunities, and you need to work extra hard to increase the fishing opportunity and feet in the deeper water.
Depth You Should Troll for Trout
Outriggers for trout fishing are not necessary to reach the exact depth. Trout can be found within the range most of the time. They always look for easy catch food, so follow some general tips to measure the depth in each season.
Such as, in spring, trout go to shallower areas to be found at the top of the water column. They go deeper into the water in summer, and the depth will be 25ft to 60 ft.
Rainbow trout start migrating in cool weather, so near the mouth of a river and stream is the best place to find them. They are primarily on top of the water in cool water. In winter, trout goes 10-15 ft deep.
Good Trolling Speed for Rainbow Trout
The best trolling speed for trout in lake is 1.5 to 2.5 mph. The speed should be compatible with lures. The boat maneuvering technique and style of lures are essential in a proper presentation in high water temperatures.
Pay close attention to the seed, and do not fish at the same boat speed when moving into the wind. Some baitfish only work at slow or fast speeds in warmer months, and some can sustain a wide range of speeds which is a common method.
Check the swimming action of the lures before it is put into the water. The trolling speed varies according to the season. Use a tachometer and GPS to estimate speed.
Use Best Trolling Rig
Use an 18-24 inch leader and the best lure like wiggle hoochie, wedding ring spinner, spinning reels, spinning gear, counter reels, snap swivel or barrel swivel, action discs, and trolling spoon to get the best result.
Follow Effective Strategy
Start fishing at the deepest part of the lake, set up the rod and reel, and use the right lures like a minnow in various conditions. Set your hook size for rainbow trout properly with your lures.
Use different colors for multiple spoon lures, then use the same color after a couple of bites from various species.
Add some scent to make the lure versatile in every body of water. Nightcrawler, and yellow perch are best for trout fishing and ice fishing.
How to Make the Lures Deeper When Trolling
Rainbow trout mainly go deeper in the summer months, and you need to set the lures in deep water, 5 to 20 feet of water.
Presenting the lures deeper is an easy thing to do. Use lures designed to dive deeper, so the shape and size are essential. Use longer bills and a sharper pitch.
Another most straightforward way is adding extra weight like snap or keel weight. Excess weight also depends on the depth you are fishing in warmer water.
How Far Behind a Boat Should You Troll?
Do lake Trolls 50 to 100 yards behind your boat. Use slower speed when needed. Use sling bed attractor to troll at four mph.
Go shallow water and search cold water areas to feel the fish strikes. Check the water clarity and water temps to catch lake trout. Keep the same strategy in warm water.
Trolling for Rainbow Trout with Downriggers
Trolling technique with downriggers allows the lure to reach deep with greater control. You can run the lines at different depths with a lighter tackle. You will need a 6 ½ to 8 ft. casting or spinning rod, spinning reel with 8-12 lb test line for rainbow trout.
Other Tips for Trolling for Trout
- Using multiple lines, do not use sharp turns so the gear won’t get tangled. Make the turn wide.
- Keep lowering the fishing line to catch more rainbow trout. Do not move the line much and pause the lure couple of times. Use multiple trout spinning rod holders for fewer poles.
- Slow down the speed and use a small diameter fishing line to reduce drag and resistance. Use moderate action in colder months.
- Use lures that create vibration and sound to locate the trout at various distances to attract active fish. A wedding ring, dark lures, spinner hoochie, or other colored baits works perfectly in the winter months.
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