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Common trout in Oregon

size from 11-inches long in small streams up to 30 inches in larger rivers and lakes. While have a Trout varied diet, anglers targeting large brown trout often use spinners or that mimic .

Anglers can experience a lifetime of varied and rewarding adventures fishing for trout in Oregon’s shaded coastal streams, alpine lakes, urban ponds and high desert rivers. Rainbow are the most widely stocked and distributed ore people in l at stream inlets where trout in Oregon. They occur naturally in many rivers and MOregon for trout streams flowing into than for any other kind of the lake or pond are streams and are stocked in ponds and lakes. They are Cutthroat fish. Each year millions bringing cool fresh highly variable in color, often silvery, with light pink to get their name from the red-oranges of fish are caught by water and a likely red stripe along sides. The can reach up to 30 inches in slashes on the underside of the lower jaw. The most young children catching supply of food length. Rainbow trout prefer cold, clear water and are common variety available to most anglers is the coastal their first fish and by l deeper waters most often found in water 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit. cutthroat found in many streams and ponds long-time anglers with especially in the warm in coastal drainages. Trout that remain in the stream Their diet consists of minnows, crayfish, , and years of experience. summer months when year round may not get any bigger than 8- or 9-inches other small aquatic life, making them susceptible to a They’re caught in ponds, trout are looking for long but reward the angler with an aggressive bite and well-presented spinner, or . lakes and rivers. They’re cooler water as well enthusiastic fight. The sea-run strain that travels to caught with , as protection from saltwater to feed may reach an impressive 17 inches. spinners, flies and lures. overhead predators License The best time of year to requirements trout fish in many lower elevation lakes is in the A general Oregon spring and fall when the License is all that’s water is cooler and the required to fish for trout. trout are more active. This Redband Rainbow Youth 12-17 years old also is when most lakes Redband trout are a subspecies of rainbow trout need a youth license and are stocked. In the warm indigenous to Central Oregon and adapted to the arid kids under 12 fish for free. conditions east of the Cascades. They inhabit cool summer months, anglers Brook streams and rivers as well as some lakes, and they can Where and when can look for trout in cooler grow up to 18-inches long. are an introduced fish species that were deeper waters, or in high mountain lakes that remain cool. first stocked in the early 1900s. While technically not a to fish In warmer parts of the state, such as the Willamette Valley Trout are widely distributed and can be found in almost trout (they are a member of the char family), their life or along the coast, trout fishing in lakes or ponds can be any water body that provides: history, ecology and habitat are similar to brown and good well into the winter months—for anglers hardy enough rainbow trout. Brook trout are widely distributed from high l cool, clean water to brave cold and wet weather. mountain lakes to headwater tributaries. They are the l food such as aquatic insects, minnows and crawfish most prevalent fish in both wilderness and non- l cover and protection from predators Finding trout in rivers and streams wilderness high lakes. In small streams and high lakes Trout habitats are often divided into lakes and ponds In moving waters, trout tend to hold in one spot and wait brook trout are typically small – 5- to-7 inches long. In (stillwaters) or rivers and streams (moving waters). Fish for the water current to bring food to them. A primary larger streams and rivers they can reach more than location, behavior and fishing tactics will vary depending food source for these fish is aquatic insects adrift in the 25 inches. Brown on whether you’re fishing in stillwaters or moving waters. current. In addition to looking for food and protection These nonnative trout, introduced in the U.S. in 1883, Because larvae and nymphs make up a large from predators, trout in moving waters are also looking have a reputation for being wily and elusive. While they part of their diet, they are a favorite target of fly fishers Finding trout in lakes and ponds for a place to rest from the current. So some likely places prefer cold spring-fed rivers and streams, and lakes with who use flies mimicking these insects. However, these In stillwaters trout are on the move, “cruising” the water to look for trout in rivers and streams include: cold water inlets, brown trout also can be more tolerant aggressive biters will also go after a variety of other baits looking for food. At the same time, trout don’t want to l behind rocks or other structure HINT: Look for water of warmer streams and lakes. These trout can range in and lures. get too far away from cover that offers protection from where the surface is textured with bumps or riffles, which predators. Some likely places to look for trout in lakes are often created as water flows over rocks and boulders www.odfw.com and ponds include: on the river bed. l near or above aquatic vegetation l near steep or undercut banks l around logs, stumps, rocks or other structure l in deeper, slower pools OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE Most rivers and streams fish best in the spring and cast out. The lead weight will sink, but the bait will float However, most trout in rivers and streams are wild fish fall when water temperatures are cooler. Very few up and hover 1 ½ above the bottom of the lake. that reproduce naturally. Some anglers prefer to release Knotsense rivers and streams are stocked, so you’ll be fishing for l Retrieving a spinner, spoon or fly. Spinners mimic small these fish so they can be caught again, or perhaps Tips for tying better knots naturally reproducing or wild fish. As the water gets minnows, leeches and other favorite trout food. When reproduce. In a handful of rivers and lakes, catch-and- More fish are probably lost because of improperly tied knots warmer, look for trout in faster riffles where the water fishing a spinner or spoon, cast it over likely looking release fishing is required. If you’re going to release the than any other single reason. Yet anglers who spend hours gets re-oxygenated at it tumbles over rocks. Some water. Let it sink for a minute then begin reeling it in fish you catch, here are some tips for doing it safely: practicing their casting, studying entomology or tying flies often rivers, especially in Central Oregon, are open for trout (retrieving). Vary the amount of time you let the spinner l Use barbless hooks. neglect this simple and, ok, boring fundamental. But if tying year round. Fishing can be good in the winter months sink and the speed of the retrieve until you find the l Land the fish quickly, before it tires too much. better knots might help us land more fish, it makes sense to – for hardy anglers willing to brave the cold and snow – combination that catches fish. Knots You Need to Know l Wet your hands before handling the fish, and try not to give knot tying a little more attention. but look for trout in slow, calm waters where they don’t Knots You NeedFishing toremove Know knots it allow from you the to properlywater. tie your line to your hook lure, and have to fight the current. Five pointers for tying better knots: Knots You Needlother toIf you’re Know tackle. Thesegoing knots to takeare easy a tophoto, tie and haveare especially the camera good for nylonset Fishing knots allow youmonofilament, to properly tie theyour most line commonlyto your hook used lure, line and for all fishing. Remember to 1) Learn to tie a few simple knots well. Tackle for trout fishing other tackle. These knotsand are easy the to scene tie and are composed especially good before for nylon lifting the fish out of Fishing knots allow you wetto properly knots with tie yoursaliva line as you to your pull hookthem lure,tight. and This prevents damage to the There are dozens of knots for the angler. They publish whole monofilament, the most commonlythe water used and line quickly for all fishing. taking Remember the picture. to The list of necessary trout fishing gear and equipment other tackle. These knotsline are and easy allows to tie the and knot are toespecially pull tight. good for nylon books with nothing but pictures of how to tie knots. But start with wet knots with saliva asl youUse pull needle-nosed them tight. This prevents pliers damageor hemostats to the to remove the can be very simple. A rod and reel, and a small monofilament, the most commonly used line for all fishing. Remember to just three knots, and learn how to tie them really well. Some line and allows the knotArbor to pull Knot tight. Quick, easy connection for attaching line to the reel. selection of lures, bait hooks, bobbers and artificial bait wet knots with saliva as youhook. pull themIf the tight. hook This isprevents deeply damage imbedded, to the cut the leader good choices are: line and allows the knot tonear pull tight.the hook, which will rust away after a few days. is enough to go fishing just about anywhere you might Arbor Knot Quick, easy connection for attaching line to the reel. * Improved clinch knot—to tied the hook to the line find trout. A good shopping list to get started might l Revive the fish in the current before letting it go. Arbor Knot Quick, easy connection for attaching line to the reel. * Surgeons knot—to tie two lines together include: * Palomar knot—another knot to tie the hook to the line l A lightweight 6-foot spincasting or spinning rod with 2) Make sure you know how to tighten every knot properly. matching reel and 4-6 pound monofilament line Palomar Knot The easiest to tie, a good choice to hold terminal tackle (hooks, swivels and lures). Knots break when they slip, and they slip if they aren’t properly l A handful of 1/16 oz. spinners Palomar Knot The easiest to tie, a goodThree choice to hold knots terminal tackleto know tightened. Pull on all the lines going into or coming out of the l Package of size 8 bait hooks (hooks, swivels and lures). Palomar Knot The easiest to tie, a good choice to hold terminal tackle knot. Tighten both the short tag ends and the longer standing l Couple of red/white bobbers (hooks, swivels and lures).Improved Clinch Knot lines. l Jar of PowerBait or PowerEggs An old standby known as the fisherman’s knot 3) Just before you tighten the knot, moisten it with saliva. l A package of #5 lead split shot Improved Clinch Knot An old standby known as the fisherman’s knot. This little bit of moisture does two things: it helps the knot “seat’ l for rivers and streams Worms or fully tighten, it also reduces friction heat that can cause the In moving water it is the current, instead of your retrieve,Improved Clinch Knot An old standby known as the fisherman’s knot. is another popular way to fish for trout. It that will effect how your lure moves in the water. Some leader or tippet to stretch and weaken. Improved Clinch Knot An old standby known as the fisherman’s knot. requires more specialized equipment and tools, but a good trout fishing techniques for moving waters include: 4) Test each knot before you make that first cast. good starter outfit could include: l Casting a spinner or spoon. Begin by casting the Give the line a few healthy tugs. Wrap the bend of the hook l Graphite 5-weight fly rod, 9 feet long Blood Knot Surgeon’s Knot around a ring (the finger holes of your hemostat, a d-ring on spinner slightly upriver and reel in any slack line. Used to join two lines together. Used to join two lines (one l your vest, etc.) and tug on the tippet to make sure the knot Matching fly reel As the current carries the spinner down river, holdBlood Knot Surgeon’s KnotSurgeon’s Knot short) together. l Used to join two lines together. Used to join two lines (one is secure. Weight forward, 5-weight fly line as much off the water as you can Bloodto achieve Knot Surgeon’s Knot Used to join twoshort) lines together. (one short) together. l Tapered monofilament leaders, 4 X 7.5 feet long a natural “drift.” Once the spinner has swung towardUsed to join two lines together.Knots You NeedUsed to join Know two lines (one 5) Practice tying knots. l Spools of 4X and 5X tippet the shore and is straight down river, begin a short) together. Most people either laugh or groan at the thought of practicing l Assorted streamside tools moderate retrieve. Fishing knots allow you to properly tie your line to your hook lure, and knots. But standing on the shore with fish jumping all around you is a terrible place to try to remember how to tie a clinch l Flies l Drifting a or an artificial bait (PowerBait, for other tackle. These knots are easy to tie and are especially good for nylon monofilament, the most commonly used line for all fishing. Remember to knot. It’s not like you have to practice every day – you’re not example) with enough split shot to get within a few wet knots with saliva as you pull them tight. This prevents damage to the learning a musical instrument. But grab a bit of line and some Fishing techniques for lakes and ponds inches of the bottom. Sometimes adding a bobber will line and allows the knot to pull tight. hooks, and tie a few favorite knots over and over again. Do this There are lots (and lots) of ways to fish for trout, but help keep track of where the bait is drifting. a couple of times and you’ll be pleased with how easily it comes three of the easiest ways to fish for trout in lakes are: Arbor Knot Quick, easy connection for attaching line to the reel. l NOTE: Where a river slows and deepens into a pool 64 back to you when you’re on the water. l Suspending bait under a bobber. Start with a piece with very little current, you can use many of the same 64 of worm or a little PowerBait or similar product on a trout fishing techniques you would use in a small pond Palomar Knot 64 The easiest to tie, a good choice to hold terminal tackle bait hook. Attach a small lead weight just above the or other stillwater. For more information about trout fishing (hooks, swivels and lures). hook to help the bait sink, and add a bobber 1 ½ to Wherever you go, be sure to check the Oregon Sport in Oregon, check out the ODFW Web site at 3 feet above the hook. Cast out to a likely spot and Palomar Knot The easiest to tie, a good choice to hold terminal tackle Fishing Regulations for the daily bag limits, bait (hooks, swivels and lures). www.odfw.com. There you can buy a license, wait for the bobber to wiggle, dive or jerk. This is a restrictions or other fishing guidelines for the specific check out the Sport Fishing Regulations, see the good technique when fish are cruising nearer the lake, river or stream you’ll be fishing. Trout Stocking Schedule and get an update on surface or when you want to keep your bait and hook current fishing conditions with the weekly Recreation suspended above a weed bed. A final word about keeping fish Report, which includes fishing updates on almost l Fishing with bait off the bottom. Sometimes trout Each year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Improved Clinch Knot An old standby known as the fisherman’s knot. 200 rivers, stream, lakes, reservoirs and ponds are in deeper water and the bait needs to be down stocks millions of trout in lakes, ponds and reservoirs throughout the state. deep where the fish are. In this technique there is no throughout the state. These hatchery fish are raised and bobber to suspend the bait. Instead the lead weight stocked for anglers to take home and enjoy on the grill or is attached about 1 ½ foot above the baited book and in the pan or oven.

Blood Knot Surgeon’s Knot Used to join two lines together. Used to join two lines (one short) together.

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