Catching trout in the spring can be a fairly difficult thing to do, especially in river and streams. Catching trout in lakes is pretty much the same at all times of year, but in rivers and streams it can be a bit more difficult. The high water that spring and early summer bring can make catching trout difficult. There are a few things to keep in mind that will make your trout fishing more successful during the spring and early summer.



1) Use A Longer Rod - When the water is running higher than normal, using a longer fishing rod can make a ton of difference. Using a longer rod enables you to control your bait better and makes it easier to keep you bait near the bottom. When river and stream fishing, I like to bounce my live bait (usually a worm) off the bottom as is flows naturally with the current. In high water keeping my offering on or near the bottom becomes very difficult. With the help of a longer rod, it's much easier to keep my offering where it needs to be. I personally use a five foot ultra light rod normally, but in high water situations I use a six foot six ultra light rod. Using a longer rod in high water situations makes all the difference in the world.

2) Present Your Bait Naturally - It is very important to present you bait naturally. For example, a worm should look like a worm, not like a "worm ball". The best way to accomplish this is through the use of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply a pair of small hooks tired in tandem. This enables you to present a worm (and other live bait) in a completely natural manner. This will result in more trout, especially in the spring.

3) Eggs Work Best In Spring - If you plan on using or like to use salmon eggs for bait, the spring is a great time. Many fish spawn in the spring, and this means that trout eat other fishes eggs and thus it's the best time to use eggs as bait. A set of gang hooks is also a great way to present eggs. By using gang hooks you're able to present double the bait! Presentation is the key.

4) In Muddy Water Use Brighter Colors - When the waters muddy, brighter colored lures will normally perform better. This is the time of year to use your whites, fluorescents, and chartreuse colors when it comes to your lures. Muddy water makes it more difficult for the trout to see the offering, so since brighter colors stand out more, they are generally more effective.

These tips and techniques will help you catch more trout in the spring, especially while river and stream fishing. As far as lakes go, the techniques you normally use should still work. Spring is the best time to use salmon eggs as bait in lakes as well, and don't forget about the gang hooks. Gang hooks work great on bottom rigs for salmon eggs and Powerbait as well.