Although nothing can replace experience when it comes trout fishing, here are some tips that always come in handy. So that you have the best conditions, here are our tips to improve your chances this trout season.
At the start of the season, it never hurts to have a quick look through your gear. An old nylon line that has been exposed to UV rays (sunlight) for too long may break more easily. If in doubt, change the line of your spool just in case.
Being observant is a key quality in an angler. During the opening of the season, this quality can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to survey the banks and observe the behaviour of the fish. Can you see any beautiful brook trout among the veins of water capturing small drifting insects? Are they positioned ready and waiting for an approaching daydreaming minnow? A thorough look will give you some answers.
At the start of the season, trout generally wait for our lunchtime to start feeding. The weather is milder, the sun nicely warms the water and the procession of worms, flies, spinners and other plug baits stop at this time. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to the water edge and enjoy this fleeting tranquillity.
At the start of the season, trout are coming out of a lethargy that has been ongoing for several months with almost no fishing pressure. The sudden arrival of anglers makes the fish wary of the sudden increase in the number of worms and moths in the water. You can provoke a suspicious trout with an unusual menu. A fluorescent spinner? A plug bait that emits strong vibrations? Shaking things up can sometimes unlock a seemingly fixed situation. This part of the opening of the season that keeps you on your toes is all part of its charm.
Well known by those who practice fly fishing, this artificial imitation is very effective on salmonids, regardless of the time and place. Even the wariest of fish can succumb to the very light free swimming action of the streamer. We recommend taking several colours with you, so you can test them on any nearby fish. This will allow you to determine how the fish react, and thus choose which colour to use for the rest of the day. Bright colours (such as yellow, red and pink) are generally very effective during this time of year, especially on trout in fish farms. If you don't have a fly rod to cast, you can use a pike float to propel the lure using a casting rod.
Your movements should be as discrete as possible. Trout are wary fish, and a hasty approach could jeopardise your chances of success. Pay attention to your shadow! Make sure it isn’t covering the area where the fish are. If the sun is behind you, do not hesitate to bend down or move away from the bank to remain discrete. For a better approach, it is best to go against the current and approach the fish from behind.
The sudden increase in activity at the waterfront can push the fish to take refuge until all the hustle and bustle is over. We encourage you to come back to the waterfront on a regular basis over the next few weeks. You can then enjoy the decrease in anglers by trying to lure out the trout that were desperately hiding during the start of the season.
Many anglers abandon the banks when there is a sudden rise in the water level. As a result, this phenomenon encourages trout to come out into open water to take advantage of the abundance of food.
If the water is also murky, natural bait such as an earthworm is a tantalising morsel.
At the start of the season, it is often tempting to take a lot of accessories with you to the waterfront. However, there is nothing more annoying than having to empty your pockets for a several minutes to find a spool line or some scissors. At the waterfront, keeping it simple often means staying calm. You should prioritise essential accessories, such as polarised glasses, a box of lures or bait, some spool lines, pliers and a keepnet. Using a magnetised link keeps essential accessories at hand (such as keepnet, pliers, and scissors) while maintaining your mobility. A small poncho stored in the back pocket of your vest will always come in handy if it starts to rain.
The fish also deserves to have a good opening season. Wet your hands thoroughly before holding a trout so you don’t remove the mucous that covers it. This natural protection protects the fish from diseases and enables it to better protect itself under the water. Gently put the fish back into the water, holding it lightly, keeping its head in the current. The fish will take off on its own once it has regained consciousness. What a sight!