OutdoorNebraska

Fishing for Trout Nebraska anglers enjoy trout waters ranging from small streams in the northern and western areas of the state to larger man-made waters such as Lake Ogallala and the Sutherland Supply Canal. The diversity of waters and habitats challenge anglers to learn the best trout fishing methods for each. To avoid snagging lines and hooks on brush and trees lining stream banks, anglers must learn to fish effectively in cramped quarters. In such conditions, the ideal fishing rod is long enough to reach beyond snags and over-hanging banks where trout might be hiding, but short enough for maneuvering through the brush. Spinning, spin-cast or fly-fishing equipment can be used effectively on small streams. Casts should almost always be short, and baits, flies or lures are often dabbled into openings where the current can carry them toward the fish. Sneak Up on Trout The key to catching trout is to not spook the fish. When trout are not scared, they are easier to catch, especially in small streams. A stealthy approach similar to sneaking up on a deer might be necessary. Anglers should avoid wearing bright colors; dark, camouflage colors are more difficult for fish to see. The sneaky approach also applies to equipment. Light lines present baits naturally and delicately, and are less likely to spook fish. On most small Nebraska streams 4- or 6-pound-test line is adequate. On larger waters where bigger fish are a possibility, 8- or 10-pound-test line might be used, but heavier line is easier for a fish to see through clear water. When fishing with natural baits, use small, light-wire hooks matched with the size of the bait. If weight must be added to fish in heavy current or deep water, add the smallest split shot possible by pinching it on the line a few inches above the hook. A weight heavier than a split shot might be required in deep or very fast trout waters, such as the Sutherland Supply Canal. There anglers sometimes use barrel weights as heavy as 3/4-ounce to roll along the bottom in the fast-moving water. Barrel weights are slip weights that slide up the line and are held a foot or two above the hook by a swivel or split shot. Trout Techniques baits and lures. Rainbow trout bite on everything from marshmallows and cheese to worms, nightcrawlers, grasshoppers and "scientifically" developed baits impregnated with irresistible scents. Most anglers test a number of baits to determine which the fish prefer. Natural baits found in or near the water being fished work for rainbow and brook trout, as well as the more finicky browns. When trout are actively feeding, they can be caught using many artificial lures, including small spinners, spoons and jigs. For larger trout, especially brown trout, minnow-imitating lures such as Rapalas and Thundersticks are good choices. Trout or salmon eggs are effective baits for rainbow trout, especially in the late winter and early spring. Many anglers equate trout fishing with flyfishing, a traditional method of taking trout. The selection of fly-fishing gear is a matter of personal choice, and when choosing equipment the angler should consider several factors, including the type of water to be fished, the types and sizes of flies to be used, the size of the fish being pursued and the skill of the angler. For most Nebraska trout fishing, a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight rod, 7 to 8 feet long, with a weight-forward, floating line is a good choice. Tapered leaders ending with 2- or 4-pound-test tippets present most trout flies in a natural manner and eliminate the problems caused by algae and debris being caught in the knots of hand-tied leaders. Every natural food item that Nebraska trout eat can be effectively imitated by a fly pattern. Trout are sometimes very selective feeders, which makes the size and appearance of the fly critical. A good selection of fly patterns includes dry flies, nymphs, terrestrials and baitfish, all in sizes 8-to-20. This selection of flies allows the angler to fish all types of cover and water levels – on the surface, at mid-depth and on the bottom. A fly selection should include dry flies such as the Adams, royal Wulff, elk-hair Caddis, and black gnat; terrestrials such as Dave's hopper, black flying ant, and cricket; streamers such as wooly buggers, marabou muddlers, Mickey Finn, and black or gray ghost; and nymphs such as the gold bead pheasant tail, hare's ear, Bitch Creek, Montana stone fly, peeking caddis, caddis larva and fur caddis pupa. Dry flies, such as this Adams, are used to catch surface-feeding trout. Other flies are designed to fish at mid-depth or on a creek bottom. Spawn or egg sacks contain a few trout or salmon eggs. They are bounced along the bottom with the current. Small spinners imitate small fish and are most effective when they are fished just fast enough to rotate the blade near undercut banks, logs or other cover. Though there are many ways to fish for trout, using traditional fly-fishing gear is one of the most enjoyable and productive methods. Trout can be caught on a variety of PHOTOS BY KEN BOUC NEBRASKAland Magazine ● Trout Fishing in Nebraska's Streams 19

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