Trout typically like faster trolling speeds around 1.5 to 2.0 mph. Slower speeds may work better in cold water in winter, but generally trout are looking to chase forage items. Let the fish determine what speed will entice the bite. Start at 1.5 mph and troll in S-patterns.
What is a good speed to troll for trout?
1.5 to 2.5 mph
Many experts recommend 1.5 to 2.5 mph when trolling. Others argue that while this works well for walleye or other predator species it is too fast for trout. In general, trout will spend the least amount of energy necessary to catch their next meal.
What is a good speed for trolling?
The best trolling speed depends on several factors including the type of fish, water conditions and lure choice. In general, trolling speeds between 1.5 and 2.5 mph, as measured by GPS, are a good starting place for most species like walleye, trout and salmon.
What is the average trolling speed?
Baits and lures are typically trolled at speeds up to 9 knots (17 km/h), though speeds up to 15 knots (28 km/h) can be used, particularly when boats are travelling to different fishing areas. The speed at which the lure is pulled through the water impacts on the fishing success.
How much line should I let out when trolling?
Let out 50 feet of line and clip into the release. If that’s not enough distance to prevent your lake’s wary walleyes from seeing the ball…then let out 150 feet of line! Just remember, the flat-line diving depth of your crankbait still applies behind the ball!
How far behind the boat should I troll?
20 feet to 150 feet
Bait Position and Distance Behind Boat
Proper distance for most boats will be anywhere from 20 feet to 150 feet behind your boat. Whether you have inboard diesel or outboard gas engines, your power dictates the distance you troll your baits and lures.
What color lures do trout like?
Chartreuse and white or red and white produce the most contrast and are the best combinations under any light. Black, due to its contrast is the most visible color under most conditions and best at night. Use darker colors like black, blue and violet under low light or when fishing deep.
Should you troll with or against the current?
7. When in an area with current, troll crosscurrent as opposed to with and/or against the current. Going crosscurrent, you don’t have to worry about how the current is affecting your lure’s or bait’s speed through the water. Plus, fish generally swim into the current.
Does trolling speed affect lure depth?
Trolling slightly faster or slower, the wind pushing the boat sideways, waves rocking the boat (tugging back and forth on the lures), underwater currents, water temperature, line diameter, variations in the lures (even though they look identical) and other factors all combine in very complex ways to affect a lure’s
How do you calculate troll depth?
Consider the following example: If you’re trolling a tandem rig tied with two five-ounce bucktails (5 x 2 = 10), and you let out 100 feet of line (double 50, so multiply by two again), according to the Rule it will run at about 20 feet below the surface (5 x 2 = 10 x 2 = 20).
Is mono or braid better for trolling?
Mono holds knots better and costs less than braid. It also works better on smaller bait-casting reels because light braid can dig into itself. Florida sailfish and dolphin anglers still use a lot of mono on the troll, and some use it for kite lines because it runs through the clips better.
How deep should you troll for lake trout?
Weather
- Just after ice-out –> Between 10 feet and the surface.
- Mid spring –> About 20 to 30 feet deep.
- Late spring –> About 30 to 45 feet deep.
- Summer –> Summer is the tricky part. Many believe that the Lake Trout go to the deepest part of the lake and stay dormant.
What bait do you use for trolling?
Skirted lures are more effective for chasing bigger fish, while soft plastics are better suited for trolling for smaller game. Spoons and plugs are versatile options, and they fall somewhere in the middle. For saltwater trolling, squid, ballyhoo, mullet, and mackerel are go-to baits for most anglers.
How long should a trolling rod be?
between 5.5 and 10 feet long
Trolling rods tend to be longer than your average fishing rod. More specifically, trolling rods tend to measure between 5.5 and 10 feet long with the perfect length depending on your specific conditions and angling skill.
Should you troll with or against the wind?
Trolling with the wind is the most important. You are able to maintain your speed better when motoring downwind than if you were bucking waves head on. Also, when heading into the wind, gusts of wind will grab the nose of your boat, whether it’s aluminum or fiberglass, and spin you off course.
What month is best for trout fishing?
It’s also year-round in most areas. Normally, the best months to target trout are July to Early September when the waters are at their warmest and many insects are hatching. Because of this, dry fly fishing becomes incredibly effective.
What bait is best for trout?
For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment.
What is the best bait for stocked trout?
The best baits for this are Berkley PowerBait and inflated earthworms, but many others work too, including: maggots, meal worms, blood worms, hellgrammites, minnows (live, dead, or chunked), corn, cheese, bio-plastics, and many more.
How do I catch more fish trolling?
Trolling allows you to effectively cover a tremendous amount of water in a day – and quickly identify productive areas.
7 Trolling Tactics That Will Catch You More Fish
- Get The Right Gear.
- Have A Plan.
- Use Your Electronics.
- Start Small, Work Bigger.
- Don’t Stop.
- Try Multiple Presentations.
- Change Speeds.
How much weight should I troll?
6 to 8 ounces is the maximum weight I recommend for most types of trolling. You can easily reach 20 or 30 feet of water with 4 to 6 ounces when trolling light tackle for trout or walleye.
What color fishing line is best?
Like camouflage, the green line blends into its surroundings and makes a good choice for anglers looking to keep their line invisible to fish. On the other hand, green may be more visible than clear in very clear water. Overall, green is a good line color choice for many different situations.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.