Salt River Trout

[tgaab]

I have been kayak fishing the salt river for a couple years now and have had very good luck with the bass. I am taking a friend with me this weekend and he wants to target the trout. I have been able to snag a couple trout on cranks while bass fishing.. but I have never fished a river specifically for trout before and was hoping for a few tips! I have done some research and it sounds like nightcrawlers on gang hooks is a good option. I was planning on beaching the yaks near the rapids and floating the worms through the rapids. Has anyone had any success with trout in the salt? I have caught plenty up in the white mountains but the current in the river throws me off. Is there anything I should look for as far a spot to fish or any techniques you guys recommend?

[Snapshot]

Depends? Heavy Rapids are usually devoid of fish, as the current is too strong, and they have to expend too much energy. Look for feeding lanes. Seams and currents that funnel food sources into a lurking trout. Deeper pools, and run's (Slicks) which is deeper water with a gentle current.

 

I don't bait fish, but I imagine smaller worms on a small hook #10, would drift nicely along the bottom. Add a small splitshot at least 18" above the worm to help it get down to the bottom in the deeper water. Keep the worm drifting very close to the bottom.

 

If your bait is getting hung up in the rocks on the bottom, use less weight. If you are not getting bites, your bait may be too high in the water column, and you will need to add weight. Depending on the water depth of course.

 

Cast 45 degrees upstream. You want your bait in the strike zone by the time it is straight out in front of you.

[Hunterjohnny]

What he said.

I like a size 12 hook. The green lable salmon eggs (Plautski?) dont remember the name, little glass jar. Power bait is never bad. The drifting is the key, lightest weigh possible to get it out there. Enough current to move it around, if it stops gently lift a little to get it moving again. Spinners are never bad, rooster tails and Panther Martins, I like the brighter colors. But when it comes down to fish for dinner I go to bait!