how to catch big trout

[nicholas]

1 season of trout fishing and the biggest trout i have caught is 12.5 inches. does anyone have any tips to catch bigger trout? i have fished mainly the nehalem river and rock creek in vernonia for trout. i use mostly 1/6th ounce spinners. i realize that very few people will catch a trophy trout in their first season, i am simply looking for some things to keeep in mind for future seasons

 

[nativefish]

switch to bait! worms to be specific.

 

[Troutski]

switch to bait! worms to be specific.

X2 on that.....

Chuck

 

[halibuthitman]

large streamers or jigs, spoons,..... big bait... big fish.

 

[fishfry]

If there are big trout in your waters I would start off with a sinking or jointed rapala (depending on water depth and speed). I would use a CD7 for sinking or a J7 for floating. Pick a color pattern that resembles possible bait fish in those waters. If you are allowed to use bait I would use a worm on a small hook with no weight if possible or if needed a very small spit shot 18 + inches above the hook. Only thread part of the worm onto the hook so both ends can move freely. In my opinion this is a killer set up because it is VERY natural in appearance. For flies try swining big leach patterns or wooly buggers through your favorite holes. I like to start close and up river then continue to work further out into the hole until you find your fish. Hope some of this helps you in your search. Goold luck and let us know when you get that trophy! P.S. Use the lightest line you feel comfortable with I.E. 6lb if you have room to fight them, or 8+ if your in big, faster water.

 

[troutmasta]

First figure out where they are. Then bigger gear. Big gear. Big fish. I would use depending on the water nightcrawlers, or large spinners and spoons or other lures. Light line.

 

[o clarki]

Fishfry made the critical observation - "if there are big fish in your waters..."

The fact is that not all water grows trophy fish. And, sadly, the Nehalem is not known as a major trout producer. There are some decent cutts and bows to be sure, but for big trout you may want to switch spots, or at least try lower in the system.

 

[MattZ]

fish in places that have big fish if you want to catch big fish. spend time reading about fish behavior. spend time studying the dynamics of the food chain of your area. stop fishing all the time when you go fishing. sometimes it pays off more to watch. be observant. don't fish, Hunt. big fish are hunting too, turn the game around and use that to your advantage. fish early and late in the day. i disagree with going bigger. not altogether, but as a standard. My largest trout have all been caught on small nymphs and dries, size 14 or smaller. when i say large trout ive caught, I'm talking 5-9 lb trout out of rivers and sometimes stillwaters. i still have not broken the 10lb mark for a trout. It will happen.

 

[OnTheFly]

Fishfry made the critical observation - "if there are big fish in your waters..."

The fact is that not all water grows trophy fish. And, sadly, the Nehalem is not known as a major trout producer. There are some decent cutts and bows to be sure, but for big trout you may want to switch spots, or at least try lower in the system.

You can catch trophy trout on a bead..right HHM?Fishfry and this post is the best advice. Your methods will work you just need to research trophy trout waters. Try Olallie, Diamond, Crane Prarie, and Wickiup, Also Harriet and Trillium on or after Labor Day.

 

[hcole]

Fishfry made the critical observation - "if there are big fish in your waters..."

The fact is that not all water grows trophy fish. And, sadly, the Nehalem is not known as a major trout producer. There are some decent cutts and bows to be sure, but for big trout you may want to switch spots, or at least try lower in the system.

This is key, you can try every fly/lure/bait in the book but if you're not fishing the right water it's not going to work out. The north coast rivers and tribs just don't have large trout like the Deschutes and Klamath basin rivers.

 

[bernduffy]

Just to add to the confusion: biggest trout I ever saw caught (28") was on a Rebel crayfish lure. Also witnessed a 10 year old kid reel in a 2 foot monster on a chunk of worm. Go figure.
I consistently catch 12-15" rainbows trolling trout killer flatfish type lures tipped with worm chunks and crappie nibbles two feet behind a lake troll such as a Ford fender or willow leaf gang. For me, its the action you give to the lure: zig-zagging, speed up/slow down that triggers the strike. Trophy trout are rare and happen only when all the factors are in line...including luck. Personally, I regard anything over a foot a darn nice fish. Keep at it: it only gets better.
BTW: You want size and you're on the Nehalem? Get out there asap for coho and salmon! Rains have pushed a big pile of fish upstream. Saw an awesome 36" salmon caught up by Roy Park on Monday. On eggs.