Trout Fishing Tips

Brook trout are fall spawners so many trout anglers consider this to be the best time to catch them. And since brook trout need cool, clean streams in order to spawn, you can often find them in making their way into tributaries this time of year.

Like other trout species, brook trout like to hang out near boulders, logs and other structures that provide cover and security. They feed on worms, grasshoppers, and other insects.

When fishing in lakes, try trolling near shore with worms or spinners tipped with worms. Salmon eggs, Wooly Buggers, and dark colored nymphs are also effective. Corn is also effective on hatchery brook trout.

Artificial flies are also work well when fishing for brook trout – especially dry flies, streamers and nymphs that imitate natural food sources.

Keep in mind that of all the trout species, brook trout are usually pretty small and if fishing in streams or small rivers, you’ll need to use light tackle (2-4 lb test). In lakes, you can usually get away with using 4-6 lb test line.

Although most brook trout are pretty small, there have been some amazing trophy-size brookies caught. In 2006, an angler in Manitoba caught a 29 inch brookie. Although this catch would have most likely given him the world record, he released it after snapping a few photographs - thereby eliminating his chance of a world record. However, in 2007, the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame awarded this angler a catch and release record.

Labels: Brook trout, trout fishing tips, trout tips

Unique and rare, Aurora trout are known to be native to only two small lakes (Whitepine and Whirlygig) in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.

These trout look very similar to brook trout (size, color, etc.), except that they lack spots on their body.

Aurora trout were first identified as a separate species in 1925 by an American scientist. However in 1967, the original classification material was reviewed by taxonomists who determined that aurora trout were really a subspecies of brook trout (and not a distinct species). This reclassification has been generally accepted by all taxonomists today.

In the 1950's, these trout were close to extinction due to acid rains caused by the smelting industry. But a manager of a local hatchery captured nine aurora trout hoping to breed them and reintroduce them back into the lakes. Lime was added to the lakes to mitigate the acid rain problem (this raised the pH of the lake).

The plan was successful and aurora trout are not only bred and released into the Whitepine and Whirlygig lakes, but also 12 other lakes in the Ontario region - two of which now reproduce aurora trout naturally!

In 2000, aurora trout were designated an Endangered specie at risk by Environment Canada. They are protected under the federal Fisheries Act, which states that harassment, capture, trade and killing in Ontario are illegal activities.

The 12 lakes mentioned earlier that were stocked with aurora trout have been designated Fish Sanctuaries. As such, fishing is prohibited in these lakes, as well as in three non-native lakes.

However, anglers can enjoy limited fishing (with a license) in the nine other non-native lakes, although the use of live bait is strictly prohibited.

To learn more about aurora trout, click here.

Labels: aurora trout, Brook trout, fishing in Ontario, whirlygig lake, whitepine lake