TROUT FISHING AT NIGHT

Fishing at night can be a rewarding and exciting experience for anglers.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, the challenge of fishing in the dark brings with it its own unique set of rewards.

But to be successful at night fishing, you need to understand how to catch trout under these conditions.

Lets take a look at some tips on how you can successfully catch trout at night.

We’ll look at the best baits and techniques that will help put more fish in your boat (or on your plate).

So grab your tackle box, hook up your bait, and let’s get ready to go night fishing for trout!

Where to Find Trout at Night

There are a few key places to look for trout at night.

First, consider the time of year and whether the fish are spawning. If they are, they will likely be in shallower water near the shore.

If it’s not spawning season, they will be in deeper water where there is more oxygen. Another key factor is the moon phase.

During a full moon, trout will feed more actively and be found in shallower water. But during a new moon, they will be much more sluggish and prefer to stay in deeper water where it’s darker.

To find trout at night, your best bet is to use a boat with a depth finder and fish around areas where the bottom drops off sharply.

Trout tend to congregate in these areas because there is more food available.

Another good tactic is to fish near dams or other man-made structures where there is a constant flow of water. The moving water helps keep the oxygen levels high, which attracts trout.

Equipment

A light is therefore one of the most important pieces of equipment for a nighttime angler.

Having a flashlight for wading or a large spotlight in a boat can make the difference between life and death when fishing in a dark stream.

The lights, however, should only be used when moving to or coming out of fishing spots, and not when you are actually fishing, since trout are extremely sensitive to light.

As you’ll be fishing in complete darkness, it’s also a good idea to wear noise-enhancing headphones, especially when you’re fishing topwater lures or flies.

Even though it may seem like a gimmick or make you feel old wearing them, they’ll help you hear fish strike when you can’t see them.

Because you stand a good chance of hooking into a trout that is larger than normal, you should use heavier equipment for trout fishing at night.

The heavy equipment will also help you cast more quickly and accurately, and it will help you pull your baits and lures out of the snags you will inevitably encounter.

There is less spookyness at night for trout, and any line, leader, or lure that seems out of place will be less threatening to them.

Anglers who are interested in spinning should use a medium-action reel and rod with monofilament or braided line of 10 to 12 pounds.

Fly fisherman should use a 7- to 8-weight tip flex fly rod with a heavy 7- to 9-foot leader. With a heavy tippet of 10 to 15 pounds, you can use a leader of up to 0X.

Bait Fishing Techniques for Night Fishing

Trout that feed in the nighttime are extremely voracious predators.

Comparable to a big pike or muskie, they sit atop the food chain and pursue baitfish they generally don’t pay heed to during the day. For that reason, anglers hunting for large night-feeding trout should cast larger baits compared to what they would use when fishing during the daytime.

Favorites of mine include 4- to 8-inch gold shiners, small suckers, crayfish and nightcrawlers – similar baits you’d use when after other big gamefish.

When night fishing for trout, regardless of what bait you’re using, the rig will be practically the same.

Your line should have a size 2 to 1/0 bait hook and be accompanied by couple little split shot around 8-12 inches above the hook.

Place a glow float that’s easily visible 3-5 feet but it will depend on the body of water’s depth.

Finally, affix your chosen bait: fish will require the hook to go through the back of their dorsal fin; crayfish should have the hook at centre of its tail and worms require stringing their head (which is usually fat) all the way onto the hook whereupon you can expose its point just below the band.

Lures for Night Fishing

When you’re out night fishing, choose larger lures than for daytime trout fishing.

During the night, these fish are not relying on their vision to detect food, so you’ll need something that agitates the water and captures a lot of attention.

The perfect lures imitate large baitfish or smaller trout to entice big fish to strike. Alternatively, any lure that causes enough disturbance can spark aggressive strikes from the trout.

Tips for Catching Trout at Night

Trout are a species of freshwater fish that are found in streams, rivers, and lakes across North America. They are a popular game fish and are prized for their delicious taste.

While trout can be caught during the day, they are often more active at night. Here are some tips for catching trout at night:

– Use a headlamp or flashlight to help you see in the dark.

– Choose a bright lure or bait so that it is easier for the trout to see.

– Fish in areas where there is some natural light, such as near moonlit shorelines or under bridge lights.

– Be patient and quiet when you are fishing, as trout can be easily spooked.

 

Sources: meateater