Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Adrian-Webbs-Trout-Tips » Trout Season Opener 6-8-2018
Trout Season Opener 6-8-2018
By Adrian Webb
August here in Tasmania means the re-opening of trout season and one I look forward to each & every year. Remember to make sure your tackle box is properly stocked, new line spooled on the reels and here's a few pointers to improve your chances of success when you hit the water.
A terrific time to fish trout is during the first month of the season as the trout are normally quite hungry and aggressive. With it still being winter, the air and water temperature is still very cold, so look to fish slow flowing water with rocks, boulders, logs or other cover. A deep to medium depth slow pool, at the base of a fast water run, is a good place to flick a lure around.
Use small spinners such as the the Mepps Aglia and Black Fury, in sizes #00 (1.5g) through to #1. In clear, cold water it pays to stick to bright coloured blades in silver or gold. For the darker waters I use the Mepps Black Fury in either yellow, chartreuse or the orange dots. Silver, copper and gold blades are perfect in waters that are tannin stained or a little clouded.
Another great early season cold water lure that I use to stimulate the trout is the Mepps Aglia Fluo Tiger blade spinner, which is available in #0 (2.5g), #1 (3.5g) and #2 (4.5g), plus there's a new range of Fluo lures just released, the Aglia-e Brite, that also work well on the trout. Once the season warms up I then turn toward the copper, gold or black blade Aglia and Black Fury, along with the Bug spinners in a March Brown or Stone Fly pattern.
If you are only fishing from the river banks try not to follow the well-worn paths. You will have a better chance of catching trout by casting from areas that are not used by everyone else. Don't head toward the river at a rapid pace either, approach it in a crouched position as not to spook any fish that may be in close.
Remember to wear a pair of Polarised sunglasses to take the glare off the surface, making it easier to spot the fish. If you've decided to wade the river, then head upstream so that you're facing into the current, the same as the trout always do. This way you're approaching fish from behind. Continually cast upstream and across current, bringing your lure downstream at the same speed or a fraction faster than the current. This allows the lure blade to spin along with the current and hopefully a trout will take it as its next meal.
You can also try the 'cast and drift' method, which is one of my favourite ways of spinning for trout. Cast up and across the river, towards the opposite river bank, keep the rod tip at around 45 degrees to the water surface and let the spinner drift with the flow. You must keep the line taut at the same time as well, so it does mean a slow retrieve is required from time to time. You can raise or lower the rod too as to keep the line taut and with practice you'll soon get the hang of it. The flow of the water does the work of the spinner for you and it's a great way to pick up a few trout as well.? Another great area to catch trout early season, when the rivers are running high, is the back waters. Never bypass them as they always hold some very nice trout.
Here's a few safety tips to go through before you head off to a river, even if it's not at the start of the season. The following is a year round safety think to take into account.
Safety first is what must come first at all times. Remember, no fish is worth drowning for so don't take any silly risks that may end in tragedy. If you can't swim, then do not attempt to go wading the rivers at all. If you're not experienced in wading rivers always go with someone who is, do not fish alone. I carry a PLB with GPS (Personal Locator Beacon) at all times when trout fishing the rivers as one never knows when it may have to be used.
Safety when fishing is something we often overlook when wading the rivers. Please use common sense when wading a river. Here are a few simple points to remember.
- When you arrive at your destination, take the time to assess the situation first.
- Always take time to see what's happening around you before you enter a river.
- If you feel that it's not safe enough to wade, then don't enter the river.
- If it's fast flowing and gets above the knees, do not continue to fish on any further. Get out and move on to a shallower stretch of river.
- Once you're in the river have look around for an escape route through shallow water in case you happen to get into trouble.
- Don't exceed the limits of your strength or endurance, flowing water has a lot of power. If you feel that you are getting tired, rising water plus a slippery, rocky river bottom may cost you your life.
- If you do fall and get swept away, float on your back, draw your knees up to your chest and point your feet downstream. Doing this will protect your head from rocks and other obstructions. Use your arms to steer into slow or shallow water, and most importantly stay calm and keep your head above water. In deep water, swim with the current and diagonally across it to the nearest river bank.
So let's make the opening of the trout season a safe and enjoyable one to remember and don't forget to take a camera with you. Photos of the scenery as well as your catch (which may be a trophy fish) are always great to look back on.
Cheers,
Adrian (meppstas) Mepps