When I was a kid I remember watching A River Runs Through It and being amazed at the whole concept of trout fishing. Of course there was the whole fly rod theatrical stuff, but I was also amazed at the idea of standing in a rushing river of clear water with rocky shores and fishing for something that seemed so exotic as a trout. Growing up in West Tennessee, we fish for crappie, brim, perch, large mouth bass, and catfish. Those fish are all fine for eating, but trout were served on menu's in fancy places, like Red Lobster. Also, I grew up fishing in lakes, ponds, and Tennessee River backwater, all still water with very limited visibility below the surface. The whole idea of fishing in a river where you could possibly see what you were catching before you had it almost next to you seemed exotic as well. And even if I never caught a fish I just liked the idea of trying for it. I have always liked to stand or walk near rivers. On backpacking and hiking trips, my favorite trails are the ones that follow rivers and streams.
So I am writing this from a base level of total ignorance. Everything I have learned over these past couple of trips on the Elk river has been through complete trial and error. So here are a few of the things I have discovered along the way.
1) The fly rod stuff is not necessary and you won't be out of place if you don't fish that way. Fly fishing is like learning to play the piano. If you don't have the time and a place to practice, it is going to be pretty hard to just pick up, and it is probably not worth buying entirely new gear if you are only going to be around trout one or two times a year. All you really need is a normal rod and spinning reel set up and you will be fine. There will be plenty of other folks using them. The guys that are flying fishing will still look cooler though.
2) Trout streams are relatively easy to find. Your state wildlife agency website will tell you where to find them. The main reason for that is because they want to sell you a special license. Most likely your normal fishing license is not going to cut it. There probably are several options for the trout "stamp", from day permits, to all species endorsements, to maybe even special rates for tourist zones (in Tennessee, Gatlinburg has it's own special rate).
3) The best way to access them is from a canoe or kayak. The public walk in accesses can be crowded, but if you have a way to stay mobile, you will have better luck. Most trout rivers have canoe and kayak rental options if you don't have you own.
4) Lures are simple. You will get a ton of advice, but from pure trial and error, I have seen that simple casting spoons and rooster tails work best. If you don't live in an area with many trout streams, your local outdoor store will likely be stocked with 10,000 different kinds of bass lures. You might be able to find rooster tails, but you will likely have to order spoons off the internet. The big difference between these type of lures and bass lures is that trout are not going to be attracted to big, flashy, rattling, diving, swamp creatures like bass are. Trout like simple and shiny. If there is much current you will need 1/8th oz or heavier. The really light lures get drug up to the surface in strong current.
If all else fails, you can cover a small hook with whole kernel corn, straight out of the can.
5) Trout are just fish. They are not magical, they act like every other fish. They find a place to not expend energy, they look around for food, then they strike. The same concepts that apply to other sport fish work the same way. Trout are going to find a hole or deep pool out of the current. They might hide behind a large rock or a fallen tree. When they see something that looks yummy near them, they will hit it hard. The main thing to learn is how to deal with the current, which will just happen with practice. Just keep putting your lures over the fishy looking places and they will find you.
So if you get a chance, give it a try. If you catch a few that are eating size, grill them whole, over a wood fire. I promise they will taste a lot better than the ones at Red Lobster.
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