How to Catch Trout in North Texas
It is Trout stocking season here in North Texas, which is a perfect time to get out and catch a non-native fish. Majority of these fish are only about 6” in length but still fun to catch, especially for kids. Here is a quick run down on gear to get you started.
Rod - Ultra Light to Light action rods
Reel - Closed faced or open faced spinning reel
Line - 4-8 pound test line
Hooks - Some use #10 or #12 circle hooks for trout due to the ability to cover the entire hook with bait. Longer shank hooks like a #6 tend to be ideal but a #4 to a #8 will work as well. The longer shank makes it easier to remove the hook from the trout.
Bobber - Slip bobber or any small bobber will work.
Common Baits - Corn, Salmon Eggs, Dough-bait, Nibbles
Below are a few recommendations from members in our facebook group regarding their setups and techniques for catching trout.
“White corn or salmon egg. Get tiny hooks that you can fit inside the corn or egg. You can also tie a fly on about 5-6 light leader, attach that to a round float/ bobber so you can cast it. Retrieve so you can see the fly moving and it leaves a very small trail.” -Daryl -
“Some old guys at a pond taught me last year. Berkley Power Eggs(switch the color until you find what they like), 4lb line, small hook, splitshot 18 inches above the hook. Cast and wait.” - Roatha -
“ I use salmon colored power bait on a small hook. It has to be garlic power bait! No bobber, just hook and weight.” - Kathy -
“18 inch leader on a swivel, slip sinker above the swivel, and a small hook (really small) pink or orange power bait and early morning or late afternoon.” -JD -
“I personally don't use line heavier than 4lb test. Flourocarbon is best as trout are very line shy. One popular way of catching them is doing a carolina rig with a small sliding sinker...use #18 treble hook and wrap the treble hook enough with power bait...don't make the dough bait to big, as most stocked trout don't have huge mouths. I like to have a fairly long leader...about 1.5feet+. If there are trout around and they are hungry...you'll get em this way. Oh another note...I personally like using light action rods ..also makes a fun fight with trout.” - Edward -
Hopefully the information above will help you land a few trout this season, if you do, feel free to join our facebook group and share some photos of your catches.