subject: Guide to Fishing for Brook Trout [print this page] Brook trout are undeniably the prettiest trout specie. They are smaller than the other species, colors are vibrant and probably the most sensitive specie of all fish species. Fishing for brook trout is similar to the method used for the river Rainbow trout. Brook trout fishing uses very small hooks because their eyes are very keen and they can see hooks and lines.
Brook trout thrive on cold streams and seek constant water temperatures from 53 degrees and above. They can use up more oxygen than the others. The brook trout migrant especially during summer and could move through the rivers in search for constant conditions. Rapids or heavy current hold the brook trout.
Physically, brook trout are very beautiful. Their backs are greenish grey, gets darker to the top, with yellow and white spots. Brilliant yellow, blue and yellow green with red spots in the middle are the colors at their sides. Bottom bellies are white and the upper bellies have red with black stripes below. They are averagely sized, but if they are in big water bodies, they grow to about 15 pounds.
The brook trout feed primarily on mayfly nymphs, and caddis flies but they can also eat golden stone-flies and midges. They can be selective on their food. When they gather together, they are usually waiting for the mayfly hatches and other natural underwater bugs. Their intelligence is good because they tend to reject unnatural trout flies.
Extra care is needed when handling brook trout. Their skin is highly sensitive that you need to hold them with wet hands. Holding the brook trout with dry hands will rub off the protective covering and this can cause infection.
When trout fishing, take into consideration the season (winter, spring, summer, and fall), techniques, right equipment and trout flies. Approaching the brook trout spot has to be done properly too.
Spring brings trout almost to the surface. During summer, when surface water is quite warm, they migrate further down the streams or rivers where there are flowing mountain springs, rapids or current. Know the source of water because this is where brook trout are, where the water is cooler.
When you spot spawning suckers, this is where you will find the brook trout. The suckers are also their feed. Do not fish near the suckers but rather keep a good distance because the suckers will tend to get away from the brook trout. Fish while the brookies are chasing the suckers.
If the brook trout are not on the water surface to feed, the best alternative is to fly fish using nymph and other wet trout flies. The nymph patterns resemble the mayfly, their primary diet.
