Top early season baits and lures for trout

Trout season is now open statewide. In the Adirondacks early conditions are usually difficult but fish can be caught using the right techniques.

The early season angler should concentrate on the lower elevation waters which warm sooner. Trout stocking is usually underway by mid April but there are many holdover fish that will provide action for the patient angler.

The hundreds of smaller streams contain good populations of wild brook trout which can be taken with worms or weighted nymphs by fishing the deeper pools of the tumbling brooks

Worms would have to be at the top of the list for early fishing. A nightcrawler fished on a #8 hook with the proper size sinker (non-lead only) to get the bait down to the fish should be cast into the deeper pools and drifted slowly along the bottom. Use a large worm for better visibility in high water. Big salmon eggs in bright colors as well as power bait will work well when fished the same way.

For the Fly angler weighted nymphs such as the bead head hare's ear and larger streamers like the muddler and wooly buggers fished slow and deep. A sink tip line can improve your success in deeper waters

For anglers who prefer lures I would suggest the following: The Roostertail, Mepps, or Panther Marten spinners in 1/8 oz. size for the bigger rivers and 1/16 oz. for the smaller brooks. The brighter colors with some flash are recommended for early fishing.

The Phoebe is an old standby which is very popular on local streams. Gold, silver and silver/blue or silver/green are very productive colors. Fish this lure by casting slightly upstream and reeling as the lure floats down.

For the pond angler early trout can be taken with all of the above baits and lures but the most popular and productive setup would have to be trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler behind a canoe or small boat. To rig this setup tie a leader of a about 12" to 18" behind the wabbler and attach either a hook with a nightcrawler or a fly such as a grey ghost, muddler, or mickey finn. This rig is trolled slowly behind the canoe. Use a 5 or 6 weight flyrod or light spinning rod with 6# or lighter line

Many baits and lures will work for early season fishing but the one thing that is essential for success is that they all be fished deep and slowly with a lot of patience.