Stocked trout are trout that are added to a lake, stream or river… although much more frequently added to a lake. trout stocking is similar to trout planting, however trout stocking is done on a much more regular basis. In heavily populated areas many, if not all, of the local lakes will have stocked trout. Stocked trout are likely raised in trout farms and are planted into a specific lake anywhere between 1 and 8 times a month, during the trout season.
The most frequently stocked or planted trout species is the rainbow trout.
Fishing for stocked trout is quite enjoyable and can be much easier than fishing for wild trout… since many areas of the country require hours of driving or even a camping trip to target wild trout. Since the vast majority of trout fishing opportunities are presented with stocked trout we came up with a great list of tips when targeting stocked trout.
- PowerBait is exceptional when targeting stocked trout. More tips when using PowerBait here.
- Use a line no heavier than 8# test.
- Change baits frequently, stocked trout have been fed a specific pellet, and your ideal bait will match that. Without knowing before hand what the pellets they were fed are made up of, your best bet is to switch baits frequently. Be sure to try garlic, many trout farms feed their fish some form of garlic.
- Change the color of your bait frequently, trout are truly picky eaters. As a rule of thumb is a bait is not performing within 30 minutes, I switch it with something else.
- As with all trout fishing, use small hooks, no larger than size 10.
- Be aware of what scents you may be adding to your bait, while stocked trout are not as aware of these as their wild counterparts any human smell you are adding to you bait will reduce the number of fish you catch.
Check out on Amazon: Magnet Trout Bundle - Be aware of sounds, loud noises can scare away fish. You are more likely to catch fish in a quiet area than you are in a loud area.
- Fish near structures and reeds, or under water ledges… Just a little while ago these trout were safe in their large tanks and now may be looking for somewhere to hide.
- Fish early morning and evening for best results. Trout naturally graze during these periods of time and are likely to be looking for food, in addition this is the time of day that most trout farms feed as well… making stocked trout exceptionally active during these hours.
- When using trout lures or swim baits cast into the wind and retrieve with the current. Once the stocked trout has gotten comfortable in it’s new home (your local lake) they will begin to behave more like their wild counterparts and sit facing the current waiting for food to come their way.
Good luck, if followed these trout fishing tips are sure to increase the number of trout you catch.
