Using the best methods of trout fishing is important if you want to be successful. These methods and other expert advice can be found here: How To Catch Trout: Expert Advice From A Trout Guide 2025.

Top 4 trout fishing methods:

Float Fishing: Use a bobber (also called a float) when river fishing or when still-water fishing in lakes and ponds to suspend your bait in the water column and in the strike zone.

Bottom Fishing: Casting out heavy weight and bait is another good way to catch trout in a lake and sometimes in the river. Just be sure you use the right rig and use floating bait or something like a corky to suspend your bait up and off the bottom.

Fly Fishing: Fly fishing for trout is used by most trout fishing guides, which says something about this method. Trout eat a lot of insects, and fly fishing is a great way to imitate the trout’s natural food source.

Lure Fishing: Lures are very effective at imitating bait fish and other food sources like leeches. Casting lures is often the best way to cover a lot of water, especially on lakes and ponds.

Knots

• You want a knot that is easy to tie but strong enough to hold a big fish. Your knot is usually the weakest link unless your line is damaged.
• You should use an improved clinch knot with a monofilament line, and if you are using a braided line, it’s best to use an improved Palomar Knot
• For tying two pieces of line together, I use a Triple Surgeons Knot with monofilament, or a Double Uni Knot with a braided line.

Reeling It In

• Set your drag correctly, keep your rod at a 45-degree angle, and maintain steady pressure to tire out the fish.
• Let the fish run when needed, reel in slack line smoothly, and steer the fish away from obstacles.
• Hold your rod properly with your left hand in front of the reel and use your whole arm to set the hook firmly.

DO NOT

• Use a simple Clinch Knot–better and stronger knots (clinch or Double Davy).
• Place your weight 2 feet below your hook
• Thread your hook through the worm or put it on like a ball
• Keep your rod tip above your head when fighting a trout because if you lower your rod tip the fish can come off. Pro anglers often keep their rod tip low to the water and they apply side pressure, so the fish doesn’t come off easily, and will come in faster.

There are many methods to fish for trout. Some are far more effective at catching trout than others. But, regardless of the method you prefer, it is critical to be good at it.

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